Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 354 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate the importance of this task and the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly.

Vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 - 2016. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am advised by An Garda Síochána that the average turnaround time for vetting applications where there is no need to take any further action or make any further enquiries has, since the start of 2023, been seven working days and that there are currently no backlogs or delays in Garda vetting.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Garda Vetting Review Group was established in April 2021 and meets regularly to discuss potential amendments to vetting legislation. This group includes members of the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB) in An Garda Síochána, officials from my Department, from Tusla, and from other relevant stakeholders.

The primary focus of the Group is strengthening the vetting legislation in an effective manner, including any changes that may be possible in relation to multipurpose vetting or re-vetting.

As per action 10 in Justice Plan 2023, which is available on the Department’s website, I expect to receive the Group’s report on arrangements for Garda Vetting in the context of the introduction of a statutory re-vetting regime early this year.