Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

396. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the resources allocated over the past four years to the Garda vetting unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4926/20]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by An Garda Síochána through its National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. It largely operates under the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016. As I am sure the Deputy will agree, this is a very important task which must be done thoroughly and accurately.

My Department has no role in the processing of individual vetting applications.

It is also important to note that, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. In addition, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that expenditure on the Garda National Vetting Bureau in the years 2016 – 2019 was as follows:

I am further informed that the personnel strength in the Garda National Vetting Bureau for the past four years, including both Garda members and Garda staff, is outlined in the following table.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, since 12 March, over 21,500 Covid-19 related vetting applications have been completed, including over 8,400 for the HSE. I am further informed that the Garda National Vetting Bureau continues to prioritise Covid-19 related / medical vetting applications to ensure there is no backlog in that regard. Finally, I am informed that all applications have a current turnaround time of 1 working day, after receipt by the Garda National Vetting Bureau.