Jim Daly
Ceist:84. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to clarify the requirement of Garda Síochána vetting for community responders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11625/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 May 2016
Ceisteanna (84)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016 which commenced on 29 April 2016 provides a statutory basis for the vetting of persons carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable persons.
The National Vetting Bureau of the Garda Síochána (formerly the Garda Central Vetting Unit) conducts Garda vetting on behalf of registered organisations in respect of persons seeking employment in Ireland where that employment involves substantial, unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults. It is a service designed to enhance the protection of children and vulnerable persons. The Act stipulates that a relevant organisation shall not permit any person to undertake relevant work or activities on behalf of the organisation, unless the organisation receives a vetting disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau in respect of that person.
In essence, the National Vetting Bureau provides potential employers and voluntary sector organisations with relevant criminal history information on individuals applying for relevant work. It issues disclosures which give details of an individual’s criminal convictions or state that they have none. Using these disclosures will assist a potential employer or voluntary organisation in their recruitment decision, helping to protect children and vulnerable persons.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to provide any comment on the vetting requirements of individual employers or organisations. This is a matter to be determined by the employer or organisation concerned.