Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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369. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of competitions An Garda Síochána has held for sworn gardaí to apply to join divisional armed support units in the years 2024 and to date in 2025; the number of gardaí by rank who applied for each competition in the years in question, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52794/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána which includes all HR matters such as internal competitions and deployment. As Minister I have no role in these matters.

I have sought the information requested by the deputy from the Commissioner, and I am advised by the Garda authorities that no competitions for divisional armed support units were run in 2024 or to date in 2025.

The allocation of additional resources for specialist units within An Garda Síochána, including the divisional armed support units, is considered on an ongoing basis. The allocation of additional personnel will be considered in the context of the overall requirements of the organisation including specialist bureaux and frontline operational divisions.

Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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370. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the key recommendations that have been presented to him by the Garda Vetting Review Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52857/25]

Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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371. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when he will implement the key recommendations given to him by the Garda Vetting Review Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52858/25]

Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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372. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views on if it is correct to implement recommendations to the Garda vetting process without the full report of the view group being finished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52860/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 370 to 372, inclusive, together.

The Garda Vetting Review Group was established to deliberate and formulate recommendations to strengthen the vetting legislation in an effective manner.

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. This group includes members of the National Vetting Bureau in An Garda Síochána, officials from my Department, Tusla and 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. Priority actions for implementation have been identified, drawing on the work of the Group, which are actively being progressed in consultation with all relevant partners.

It is my aim to ensure that 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.