An Garda Síochána
Dail Éireann — 2026-03-18
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Niall Collins (FF), Limerick County

The current system used by An Garda Síochána is delivered in a standard format to all organisations seeking vetting. This approach aligns with good international practice. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda National Vetting Bureau's target turnaround time for vetting applications submitted by organisations utilising the e-vetting system is five to ten working days for over 85% of the vetting applications received. The Garda National Vetting Bureau received over 633,500 applications for vetting disclosures last year, 2025.
I am also informed that the current processing time for 85% of vetting applications is eight to nine working days. There are a number of factors outside of An Garda Síochána's control that can impact on the timeline for individual applications. These include, for example, where a person has lived overseas. These applications can take additional time. Vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts of 2012 to 2016. Ministers have no direct role in vetting.
Further to the work being carried out by the Garda vetting review group, steps are now being taken to implement a number of the key changes in the process that will ensure it remains robust and effective while improving the service to customers. We must be sure that any changes to the vetting system do not negatively impact on the objective of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Expediency for expediency's sake cannot be the driving motivation - I know that is not Deputy Byrne's motivation - behind any of the changes that we make. We must always keep safeguarding at the heart of the system. I will impress upon the Minister and the officials in the Department of justice the Deputy's annoyance at the delay in bringing this process to a successful end point in its journey.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-03-18/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:45+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-18