Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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202. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda vetting applications received in 2012 and 2013 respectively; the average processing time in each year concerned; the corresponding figures to date in 2014; the current processing time for applications; her plans to improve the processing time for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31814/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of Garda Vetting applications received and average processing times in 2012, 2013 and 2014 (to end June) are as follows:

Processing times fluctuate upwards and downwards depending on seasonal demands and volumes received, and depending on whether further enquiries have to be conducted with external Garda Stations or Agencies. I believe that the current processing time of 4 weeks is a reasonable turnaround time for vetting applications.

An e-vetting solution is currently being developed and it is envisaged that this will streamline the entire vetting process and greatly contribute to a reduction in processing times for vetting applications.