Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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296. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that under new vetting procedures gardaí are no longer vetting all staff and board members operating in children's organisations and that only certain roles must go through the vetting process; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that there are no guidelines available as to the way in which to define roles or space on the forms to achieve this (details supplied); the way in which he plans to address these gaps in the new system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18047/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As Deputy will appreciate, the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. Vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána primarily in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016.

The National Vetting Bureau conducts vetting on behalf of organisations registered in this jurisdiction, whose employees engage in relevant work or activities with children or vulnerable persons. Schedule 1 Part 1 and Part 2 of the Act define relevant work or activities as any work or activity which is carried out by a person, a necessary and regular part of which consists mainly of the person having access to, or contact with, children or vulnerable persons.

While the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016 has made vetting mandatory for employees who engage in relevant work or activities with children and vulnerable adults, the Act does not create any provision for vetting in respect of positions which do not meet the criteria of relevant work or activities as defined.

I am informed by the Garda authorities the National Vetting Bureau has held information seminars for all registered organisations to assist and support them in embedding the requirements of the Act into their processes and procedures. The National Vetting Bureau has placed a significant focus on providing information to organisations as to their requirements to be vetted and supporting organisations to comply with the requirements of the Act. In this regard, the National Vetting Bureau continues to conduct presentations to a wide range of organisations nationwide. It is the intention of the National Vetting Bureau to continue with this supportive focus in line with the flexibilities and exemptions in the Act.