Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the timeframe issue, when the Government took office on 9 March 2011, the average waiting time for the processing of vetting applications was about 14 weeks. We have arranged for the appointment of new permanent staff to the vetting bureau. Some temporary staff were working in the bureau under the JobBridge scheme put in place by the Minister for Social Protection. While waiting times in respect of vetting had been reduced to two weeks, the August and September are particularly demanding months for the bureau. The current timeframe is between six and eight weeks. We are conscious that when the legislation is enacted, there will be additional demands on the bureau and are considering the provision of additional staff for it in the context of the Croke Park agreement, under which many good things have been achieved. Also under consideration is the transfer from other parts of the public service of individuals to the bureau. These staff will need to undergo necessary and appropriate training. We have established an office in Ennis under the management of the bureau which includes some former staff of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. We are reviewing the process.