Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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492. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the introduction of a Garda vetting card to prevent multiple ongoing applications to various different groups, the timeline for its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50420/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults.

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.

I believe the many organisations whose work focuses on 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, and in particular parents, that appropriate checks are conducted on people taking on positions of trust.

The Garda Vetting Review Group was tasked with ensuring that any changes 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 my Department, from Tusla, and from other relevant stakeholders.

The Group’s primary focus has been to examine the means of strengthening the vetting legislation in a workable and effective manner, while seeking to balance this with issues that have arisen regarding the re-vetting period and the transfer of vetting across other similar activities, for example with sports teams.

While the Group has not agreed a formal report, an update on its work was recently submitted to me and work will now begin on implementing a number of key recommendations, in consultation with all relevant partners.

It is my aim to ensure the vetting system is fit for purpose, robust and future-proofed to the greatest extent possible, to continue to protect our children and vulnerable adults.