7. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on changes to the Garda vetting system being considered by the Government; the proposed changes to re-vetting requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53675/25]

Sentiment score: 0.18

The Garda vetting review group recently submitted its report to the Minister. Will the Minister provide an update on the changes to the Garda vetting system being considered by the Government, especially the proposed changes to the re-vetting requirements, as we know a lot of people are very frustrated with the delays that have been caused, especially in NGOs and sporting groups?

Sentiment score: -0.29

As Chair of the Joint Committee on Children and Equality, and somebody who has worked with children her whole life, I join the Minister in wanting to ensure that our Garda vetting process is robust and that we are protecting our vulnerable children and adults. At the same time, it is great to hear that the report has made it to the Minister's desk. The review was initiated in 2021. Volunteers are frustrated. If they work with a GAA group one weekend and a drama group the next, they must be vetted repeatedly. I know that multiple Deputies have come in over recent months looking for updates and wondering if we can lean into our technology and come up with a common-sense and streamlined solution, similar to the process for the Passport Office whereby people can apply online once. We could provide a Garda vetting card that would apply for three years. That way, at least people would not be delayed in starting work or working with vulnerable groups.

Sentiment score: 0.13

I know it is easy for someone such as me to come in and offer a simple solution. I appreciate that the response is not so simple. At the moment, however, a lot of unnecessary duplication is happening. Multiple checks are being carried out into the same people to verify the same information. One of the key problems is that people who are trying to start a job can come into financial difficulty when that job is delayed. There are times when people who are looking for a new employee cannot wait for the Garda vetting process. They lose the chance to hire someone who may be a key staff member. Anything we can do to speed up the process would be welcome. From 2021 to 2025 is a long period. The frustration has been ongoing for longer than that. I appreciate the Minister's work. I hope we can get an efficient solution sooner rather than later.

Sentiment score: 0.11