I am advised by the Garda authorities that vetting applications for the person referred to by the Deputy were received by the Garda National Vetting Bureau on 2 November 2016 and 16 February 2017. On processing the applications the Vetting Bureau established that it was necessary to conduct further enquiries. In any given vetting application additional enquiries may be necessary for many reasons such as the verification of identity, updating of incomplete records and establishing outcomes of investigations or court processes. In such cases the processing time for applications can be significantly longer than the general average and may depend on factors outside the control of the Garda authorities, notably the receipt of information from outside sources. The vetting applications will be returned to the respective liaison persons in the registered organisations concerned upon completion.