Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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176. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to reform the Garda vetting process (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17229/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The National Vetting Bureau processes requests for vetting for prospective employees from relevant organisations, as defined in the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016, who are registered with the Bureau. Vetting applications can only be submitted via the relevant organisations.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that liaison persons in the relevant organisations are trained by the National Vetting Bureau and they undertake the observance of secure operating procedures with regard to the management of vetting applications and disclosures. The relevant organisations are tasked with verifying the name, address and date of birth of vetting applicants, which must be accompanied by photographic evidence. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the relevant organisations to certify to the National Vetting Bureau that the identity of the vetting applicant has been validated.

I am informed also that compliance with this requirement by relevant organisations is further established by the National Vetting Bureau through audits, inspections and routine requests for proof of validation of identity.

I would note to the Deputy also that it is an offence under the Acts to make a false statement for the purpose of obtaining, or enabling another person to obtain, a vetting disclosure.