Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 11, subsection (2)(b), line 9, after "concerned")" to insert the following:". Any such request for information, shall be?

(i) accompanied by an explanation of the specific information being sought,
(ii) directly relevant to the employment or activity being applied for and any subsequent enquiries shall be proportionate and precise".

These amendments come on foot of representations, suggestions and recommendations made by the Irish Human Rights Commission and seek to have clauses inserted in the Bill which would require the bureau to specify the type of information it seeks when it makes representations to the Garda Síochána about persons subject to vetting applications. We seek clear guidance to be given on the duration for which criminal record information is retained and subject to disclosure, and whether the gathering of such information is proportionate and related to the activity about to be undertaken by the person. We want to prevent fishing exercises and information being used inappropriately. If the bureau seeks information on a particular individual it must relate to the area in which the person will be employed and the rights of the person being vetted must be upheld as well as those whom the Bill seeks to protect.