Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

545. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position on the Garda vetting review; what specifically is being reviewed for improving the current system in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29736/24]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. I know the Deputy appreciates the importance of this task and I am sure he agrees with the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly.

I believe the many organisations concerned with the safety, enjoyment and comfort of children and vulnerable people understand that they must take all reasonable steps to ensure that only suitable people are recruited and employed, and take this responsibility very seriously. This requires a robust Garda vetting process that reassures the public - in particular, parents - that appropriate checks are conducted on people taking on positions of trust.

I am advised by Garda management that, while more complex cases can take some time, there is currently no delay or backlog in the standard vetting process. The current turnaround time for the vast majority of applications is 5-6 working days from the date of receipt, well within their target of 5-10 working days.

A review is currently underway by the Garda Vetting Review Group which I tasked with ensuring that any amendments to the vetting process ensure it remains robust, efficient and effective while improving the service to customers. The membership of the group includes the Gardaí, officials from the Department of Justice, from Tusla, and from other relevant stakeholders.

I can assure the Deputy that the Group’s primary focus has been to examine the means of strengthening the vetting legislation in a workable and effective manner. I am informed that the Group’s report on arrangements for Garda Vetting will be finalised in the coming weeks and I expect it to deal with issues that have arisen around the re-vetting period and the transfer of vetting across other similar activities, for example with sports teams.

I can also assure the Deputy that there will be no delay in responding to any recommendations made to me and I look forward to receiving the report in the near future.