Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 March 2012
183 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons vetted by the Garda central vetting unit for the years 2008 to 2011, inclusive, and to date in 2012; the average waiting time to be vetted in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13040/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been a substantial increase in the volume of vetting applications received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) over recent years. The number of applications processed by the GCVU and the average processing time for the years 2008 to 5 March 2012 are as follows:
|
Year |
No of applications |
Average processing time |
|
2008 |
218,404 |
4-5 weeks |
|
2009 |
246,194 |
6-7 weeks |
|
2010 |
291,938 |
12 weeks |
|
2011 |
315,100 |
8 weeks |
|
2012 |
52,773 |
2 weeks |
|
(to 5 March 2012) |
I am informed by the Garda authorities that while the current average processing time at the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) is 2 weeks approximately, seasonal fluctuations and the necessity to seek additional information on particular applications can, however, result in this processing time being exceeded on occasion.
I would remind the Deputy that since I became Minister I have taken a number of measures to ensure that the time it takes for the processing of vetting applications improves significantly. I remain very conscious of the need to keep the time required to obtain a vetting to the minimum possible. Nonetheless registered organisations have been advised to take account of the possible need for additional information to be provided in some cases in their recruitment and selection process.
