Repeat Garda vetting
Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked whether the Garda vetting review would address repeated vetting for people who already hold clearance in another role. The Minister said the review was ongoing, child protection remained central, and the Justice Minister would reply directly.
Some time back, the Garda vetting review group was tasked with examining the current system to see what improvements, if any, could be made, while ensuring continued appropriate and robust checks on people taking on positions of trust working with children and vulnerable persons. While I would be interested in hearing the timeframe for the report, if officials have it to hand, the main thing I want to know is whether there is a plan in the terms of reference to deal with the perceived pointlessness of people having to apply for multiple Garda vettings, such as where a teacher is also a sports mentor or volunteer at a summer camp. Surely, where a person has not come to the attention of the authorities and has met a high standard in working with children, one accreditation should suffice. I hope this has been examined as part of any review. If the Minister has the timeframe, I would appreciate it.
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Gogarty. My understanding is that work on that is continuing, but I will ask the Minister for Justice to respond to the Deputy directly on the timeframe of the group. There are existing systems and processes in place that are very much upholding best practice around child protection, and those concerned are considering whether repeat vetting is required or whether vetting is not required again where someone has been vetted on one occasion. However, it is important that this be managed with care, obviously with child protection at the core. I will ask the Minister for Justice to try to provide a timeframe for the Deputy on any changes that arise.