Troy welcomes Garda vetting reforms

The Department of Justice are looking at implementing changes to the Garda vetting system which will assist volunteers, and community groups with the process.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Robert Troy, welcomed confirmation of the reforms to be put in place by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan.

“Whilst the issue of adequate Garda vetting is hugely important, and an essential part of safeguarding it has become apparent that the process has become somewhat of a deterrent for those seeking to volunteer within communities," Minister Troy said.

The Longford Westmeath TD spoke of the importance of the process: "We are all aware of the importance of voluntary work in our clubs, towns and villages and it is vital that we do everything possible to encourage more volunteers to join in. It is on this basis that I raised the issue of reform of the vetting process with my colleague Minister O’Callaghan."

In response, the Minister for Justice commented: “I have listened to the concerns and those of other representatives. I am conscious that volunteers are the backbone of communities across the country. Safeguarding and their participation in it are extremely important.

Minister O’Callaghan continued: "For that reason, following the work of the Garda vetting review group, steps are being progressed to modernise and streamline the current system, while fully maintaining the robust safeguarding standards that are essential.

"In practice, and subject to the general requirement that vetting be renewed every three years, it is envisaged that where a person has already been vetted for work within a particular risk category, that individual would not need to undergo a completely new vetting process if moving to another role within the same category”.

In conclusion, Minister Troy stated: “ I will continue to liaise with Minister O’Callaghan to ensure that these reforms are prioritised and put into place as soon as possible.”