James Lawless
Question:150. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to examine a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44144/24]
View answerTuesday, 5 November 2024
Questions (150)
Written answers
As a critical component of the measures taken to ensure the security of Óglaigh na hÉireann, security vetting, for both Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) and Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) applicants, is conducted to ensure the suitability of candidates to occupy the role for which they have applied. This vetting is conducted with the assistance of An Garda Síochána (AGS).
The duration of the process can depend upon many factors, including the volume of applicants and the information provided by the candidate during the application process. In addition, should applicants provide information with an associated external/non-national component, this necessitates engagement with international vetting authorities. This process and the timelines associated with it, is completely outside the capacity and authority of Defence Forces control, and can invariably result in significant delays. Once security clearance has been confirmed however, applications proceed without delay to attestation stage.
It should be noted that for the RDF, regardless of clearance status, all applicants engaged in the induction process are included in Phase 1 training which has been specifically introduced in an effort to provide meaningful activity for prospective inductees at the earliest possible juncture, and to reduce the training time to be observed once the applicant is inducted.