It is now taking anything from four to six weeks for Garda vetting to be returned by the national vetting bureau. This is having a very real and immediate impact on the early years sector, a sector that, frankly, should be an absolute priority. Services are operating strict staff-to-child ratios and because of these delays, some are being forced to close rooms. That, in turn, is creating a huge knock-on effect for working parents who rely on these services every single day. We clearly need a more efficient, portable vetting system. What action can the Government take to fix this?

The additional resources have been allocated and the Garda and others are working flat out to make it as timely and efficient as possible. Legislation is there, so people are either constrained by it or have to operate under the legislative frameworks that govern vetting. It should be kept under constant review to make sure it is practical and pragmatic while at all times ensuring proper safeguarding and protection of people.