Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Some 137,000 applications were received in 2006, with an average processing time of between five and six weeks. Some 218,000 applications were received in 2008, with an average processing time of between four and five weeks. Some 246,000 applications were received in 2009. Approximately 18,000 organisations receive vetting services for employment purposes. There is a massive involvement in the vetting process. The vetting unit has a total staffing complement of 78, the vast majority of whom are civilians. One Garda superintendent and five Garda sergeants are attached to the unit - the rest of its staff are civilians. The dramatic growth of this area is demonstrated by the increase in the staff complement over the last three years, from 13 in 2006 to 78 at present.

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