Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 632: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is a fast tracking mechanism introduced for Garda vetting for persons that are required to work in the health and care areas in view of the priorities to ensure that adequate staff are in place to deal with persons who require medical and other care support; his views on the time it takes to obtain Garda vetting for staff in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23083/11]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 633: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the categories of persons whose employment requires Garda vetting; if exemptions are granted; the procedure for granting exemptions; the position regarding medical staff that are recruited to work here from abroad; if each category of these staff such as consultants, doctors, nurse assistants and other care workers require garda vetting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23085/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 632 and 633 together.

The function of the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) is to provide employment vetting for organisations in Ireland registered with the GCVU which employ/engage persons, who in the course of their work, will have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults. This would, of course, include organisations who engage healthcare professionals.

The GCVU has no function in determining whether any individual or categories of individuals should be exempt from the requirement to obtain a Garda vetting certificate. Furthermore, there is no distinction drawn between individuals resident within this jurisdiction and those from abroad.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that, at present, the average processing time for vetting applications received at the GCVU is approximately 10 weeks. The processing time for vetting applications does fluctuate in line with periods of increased demand. In some cases additional time may be required where clarification is needed as to the details provided or where other enquiries need to be made, for example, when the person in question has lived and worked abroad.

I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that in order to observe equity and fairness in respect of applicants for Garda vetting, the general processing procedures are such that applications are processed in chronological order, from the date of receipt at the Vetting Unit. However, in order to cater for very exceptional circumstances, arrangements are in place with the HSE to expedite the processing of very urgent applications.

It is clearly important that applications are processed within a reasonable time. While it is a fact there will always be a reasonably significant time period required to process an application, the length of time currently being taken is a matter of concern which I am determined to address. In that context, a number of immediate measures are being taken to improve the situation. The sanction of the Department of Finance has been obtained to retain the services of ten temporary employees in the GCVU. A further sanction has been obtained to engage an additional ten temporary employees for the Unit and the process of recruiting these is underway. Registered organisations have been advised to take account of the time required to process applications in their recruitment and selection process and other measures aimed at improving turnaround times for applications are also under consideration.

I would like to point out that the Gardaí make every effort to reduce the time to the minimum possible consistent with carrying out what are very necessary checks.

The Government have approved the draft scheme of a National Vetting Bureau Bill which will establish a statutory basis to underpin vetting procedures for persons to work with children and vulnerable adults.