Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 318: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 292 of 1 February 2006 if the information requested is being compiled by his Department; if so, when same will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4695/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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In 2005 approximately 150,000 vetting requests were processed by the Garda Síochána, of which approximately 1,200 related to the education sector. Statistics in respect of such requests disaggregated by county are not maintained.

The vetting process involves the disclosure by the Garda Síochána, in appropriate circumstances, of criminal history information on an individual. The Garda Síochána is not involved in making recruitment decisions or in determining the suitability or otherwise of an applicant for a post; this decision is solely a matter for the recruiting organisation. Accordingly, statistical data on the number of persons vetted who may not have secured posts for whatever reason following vetting are not available to the Garda Síochána.