Written answers
Wednesday, 20 March 2024
Department of Justice and Equality
An Garda Síochána
Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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963. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide an update on the Garda Vetting Review Group's report, considering it has been almost three years since their first meeting and the urgent need for reform in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13063/24]
Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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964. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to specify the quarter in which the Garda Vetting Review Group report's recommendations will be published; her plans for Garda vetting in light of the proposed statutory re-vetting regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13064/24]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 963 and 964 together.
The primary purpose of 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.
As the Deputy will 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 multi-purpose vetting or re-vetting.
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 by the end of quarter two of this year.
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