Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I said I would reflect on it. I am not clear where we can take it given the fact that the Garda and GSOC were involved. It is not for me to comment. I commend the Deputy on raising the matter. I know it is in the Village magazine as well, but I think the steps that can be taken are beyond my remit at this stage.

Deputy Cian O'Callaghan raised safeguarding of vulnerable adults. He makes very consistent and fair points in that regard. I know that work is being done in Garda vetting, for example, and extending it to cover workers in the homeless sector. In the light of recent issues, the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, has acknowledged the need to address the vetting of people working with the homeless and this might require a review of the legislative provisions.

As part of an overall approach to the reform of and extension of the Garda vetting regime, the Minister for Justice has set up an interdepartmental group to examine vetting legislation and arrangements. The group is examining a number of issues, including the inclusion of homeless outreach services. Its recommendations would then shape any amendments to the vetting legislation and processes, including those required to commence periodic re-vetting. The group is specifically examining any amendments that may be required to remove any doubt that outreach and other services for homeless people who are vulnerable are covered by the vetting regime.

In response to Deputy Brendan Smith's point, I am pleased that someone in the House is praising the Garda. I agree that the community Garda system is an outstanding one and we need to see more of it.

I do not have time to go into the full detail of the implementation of the future of policing report in response to Deputy Kelly. I dealt with it in the House two weeks ago on Question Time. The Government is going full steam ahead with the implementation of the report.

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