Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

721. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the average length of time for processing an appeal against a decision of the Garda Vetting Bureau; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39202/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The primary objective of the vetting conducted by the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB) is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults.

Vetting is performed by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 - 2016.

Organisations working with children and vulnerable people understand their responsibility to recruit and employ only suitable candidates. A rigorous Garda vetting process reassures citizens that appropriate checks are conducted on individuals assuming positions of trust.

Section 15 of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016 relates to the stages of processing information being considered for disclosure of specified information, including initial notification to an applicant that specified information is being considered for disclosure and subsequent notification including details regarding an applicant’s right of having an independent appeal.

Sections 17 and 18 of the Acts relate to the appointment of Appeals Officers and the appeal process itself respectively.

The processing of Specified Information Appeals of a decision taken by the GNVB is an independent process carried out by a Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration appointed independent Appeals Officer.

Specified Information Appeal files are particularly voluminous and require extensive analysis and processing time as each file requires significant attention to complete. Extensive enquiries are required to be carried out on occasion and the completed documentation is reviewed and cross-checked with supporting documents to ensure the rights of vetting applicants, alleged complainants and witnesses are protected in accordance with legislation, human rights considerations and the Code of Ethics of An Garda Síochána.

The average length of time for processing a Specified Information Appeal against a decision of the GNVB is approximately 17 months, which encompasses the various stages from receiving notification of an appeal at the GNVB to the conclusion of said appeal by an Appeals Officer.