Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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1322. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will introduce a Garda vetting licence style scheme which allows people to apply for a multi- annual Garda vetting card that relates to them personally and is transferable between organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29966/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. It is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate the importance of this task and the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly.

The Deputy will be further aware that the legislation provides for vetting to be conducted only on behalf of relevant organisations that are registered with the National Vetting Bureau and is not conducted for individual persons on a personal basis.

A Garda Vetting Review Group was established in April 2021 and meets regularly to discuss proposals regarding potential amendments to vetting legislation. It includes members of An Garda Síochána and officials from my Department, Tusla and other relevant parties.

‎The primary focus of the Group is to deliberate on and formulate recommendations to strengthen the vetting legislation in an effective manner. Issues to be considered by the group include any changes which may be possible around the matter of re-vetting. The Group is due to report by the end of this year.

The vetting applications process itself is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána and neither I, as Minister, nor my Department, have any role in the processing of individual vetting applications.