Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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787. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason Garda vetting is taking up to ten months for some persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62094/25]

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. As Minister, I have no role in the processing of individual vetting applications.

Garda authorities have advised that vetting applications are processed on a first come, first served basis in chronological order from date of receipt. This is with a view to observing equity and fairness in respect of all vetting subjects. Turnaround times for approximately 85% of Garda vetting applications is 8-10 working days, nationally, from the date of receipt at the Garda National Vetting Bureau.

Occasionally it is necessary for An Garda Síochána to conduct enquiries with external Garda stations and other agencies in relation to processing vetting applications. These enquiries are conducted for a multiplicity of reasons such as verification of identity, updating of incomplete records and establishing outcomes of investigations. I am informed that, in such instances, processing times can be significantly longer than the average.

Individual applicants can track the process of their application online using the eVetting tracking system, details of which are contained in the email received by all applicants when completing their application online. Further details on this facility are also outlined on An Garda Síochána's website: https://vetting.garda.ie

I am also advised by An Garda Síochána that should an applicant have any more queries in relation to their application they can be made through the relevant organisation vetting them.