Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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787. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the current policy of her Department regarding Garda vetting for volunteers in school-based Parent Associations, in particular volunteers who assist with activities such as school discos, parties, trips or other events outside normal classroom teaching; whether these activities are deemed “relevant work or activities” with children under the terms of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 and require a vetting disclosure; whether her Department intends to review the existing circulars/guidance, for example Circular 0031/2016, to ensure child safety in the context of non-teaching/parent volunteer roles; the planned updates to guidance for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58807/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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School authorities must ensure compliance with the requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 (the Vetting Act) and with relevant Department circulars in relation to Garda vetting of school personnel and other persons who undertake relevant work or activities with children or vulnerable persons. Relevant Work is defined as “Any work or activities, carried out by a person, a necessary and regular part of which consists mainly of the person having access to or contact with children or vulnerable persons”. The Vetting Act places statutory obligations on a school authority to obtain a vetting disclosure prior to employing, contracting, or permitting a person to undertake "relevant work or activities" with children or vulnerable persons.”

Part 1, 3 (1)(c) outlines that the Act shall not apply to the giving of assistance by an individual (i) on an occasional basis, and (ii) for no commercial consideration, at a school, sports or community event or activity, other than where such assistance includes the coaching, mentoring, counselling, teaching or training of children or vulnerable persons.

The department has commenced an initial review of circular 0031/2016. As part of this review the department will engage in consultations with the education partners, National Vetting Bureau and others.