Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she has had any discussions with the Department of Justice and Equality in relation to delays in providing Garda clearance for community employment scheme participants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5152/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Authorised staff from the Department of Social Protection are in touch with the Garda Central Vetting Unit on a very regular basis. The process of vetting for all applicants takes from 10 – 12 weeks currently. Errors in applications can cause delays. Eighty per cent of CE applications are processed within the period outlined and 20% of applications will go over 12 weeks due to the necessity for clarifications or further enquiries. The demand for Garda vetting has increased steadily over time and this also leads to delays. The protection of children and vulnerable adults is of primary concern to the Department of Social Protection and therefore these requirements are mandatory for CE entrants who wish to work in these areas.