Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the average length of time applicants wait for Garda vetting applications to be processed. [40128/11]

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of staff employed by Garda vetting services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40129/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the average processing time for Garda vetting applications at the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) at present is 5 weeks. This is a significant improvement on the average processing time of 12 weeks at the end of last year. All organisations registered for Garda Vetting are aware of the processing time frames for the receipt of Garda vetting and have been advised to factor this into their recruitment and selection process. This processing time can, nevertheless, be affected by seasonal fluctuations or the necessity to seek further information on particular applications which may result in the processing time exceeding the present average of 5 weeks.

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. At present there are a total of 100 personnel assigned to the GCVU. Of this 100, 5 are members of An Garda Síochána and 75 are full-time Garda civilian personnel. In addition, 20 civilian personnel have been employed on a temporary basis to help reduce the backlog and bring down processing times.