Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the average length of time for processing applications by the Garda Central Vetting Unit for each month since January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51246/12]

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

The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a number of organisations (20,000 approximately) in Ireland registered with the Unit which employ personnel to work in a full time part time, voluntary or student capacity with children and or vulnerable adults. The average processing time for Garda Vetting applications for each month since January 2011 is outlined hereunder.

2011

I should point out that these are average processing times and variations can occur for different reasons, for example it can take longer to process applications where additional information has to be sought. There are also seasonal fluctuations. All organisations 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 processes.

I am very conscious of the need to keep this processing time to a minimum. I am confident that the current average processing time will be reduced as a number of measures to ensure improvements take effect.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of the training required by employees of the National Vetting Bureau; the timeframe of this training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51247/12]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the training period for new staff members at the Garda Central Vetting Unit is for a duration of 12 weeks including on-the-job training with intensive Quality Control. This is the standard training programme for all new personnel allocated to work at the Garda Central Vetting Unit.

The programme provides in-depth training in relation to the Garda Vetting system and includes training on the Garda PULSE system, Criminal Records system and the Garda Central Vetting Unit computerised systems.