Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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93. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which Garda vetting has been completed in respect of candidates who have applied for recent posts in the Prison Service and An Garda Síochána; the degree to which approval is forthcoming, pending or refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5783/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 it is the function of the Garda Commissioner to carry on and manage and control generally the administration and business of the Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment, training and appointment of its members and civilian staff. The allocation of resources including recruitment and training of Garda members is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. National recruitment campaigns for new recruits to An Garda Síochána are generally conducted by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) with the initial recruitment stages being managed by PAS and the latter stages (vetting, physical competency test, medical) being managed by the Garda Commissioner.

Similarly, given the level of responsibility in prison officer positions, it is necessary for checks to be carried out by An Garda Síochána on persons considered for this employment. These checks can take time to complete for a variety of reasons, some of which may be outside of the control of the Garda Authorities, depending on the circumstances of the individual case. However, I am assured that every effort is made to expedite this process to the greatest extent possible.

This is carried out as part of the recruitment process which is managed by the Public Appointment Service in conjunction with the Irish Prison Service.

Any candidates seeking an update on the status of their applications should contact the Public Appointments Service or An Garda Síochána/the Irish Prison Service as appropriate.