Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
470. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the waiting times for applications for Garda vetting and clearance to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51038/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a number of organisations (20,000 approximately) in Ireland registered with the Unit which employ personnel to work in a full time, part time, voluntary or student capacity with children and or vulnerable adults.
The current average processing time for vetting applications is 8 weeks. However, seasonal fluctuations and the necessity to seek additional information on particular applications can result in this processing time being exceeded on occasion. All organisations are aware of the processing time frames for the receipt of Garda vetting and have been advised to factor this into their recruitment and selection processes.
I am very conscious of the need to keep this processing time to a minimum. I am confident that the current average processing time will be reduced as a number of measures to ensure improvements in the time it takes for the processing of vetting applications take effect.
