Keira Keogh (Mayo, Fine Gael)

As Chair of the Joint Committee on Children and Equality, and somebody who has worked with children her whole life, I join the Minister in wanting to ensure that our Garda vetting process is robust and that we are protecting our vulnerable children and adults. At the same time, it is great to hear that the report has made it to the Minister's desk. The review was initiated in 2021. Volunteers are frustrated. If they work with a GAA group one weekend and a drama group the next, they must be vetted repeatedly. I know that multiple Deputies have come in over recent months looking for updates and wondering if we can lean into our technology and come up with a common-sense and streamlined solution, similar to the process for the Passport Office whereby people can apply online once. We could provide a Garda vetting card that would apply for three years. That way, at least people would not be delayed in starting work or working with vulnerable groups.

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