Fine Gael Leader, Enda Kenny, TD, has questioned the Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern, TD, regarding the number of applications being processed and the length of time being taken for such processing by the Garda Central Vetting Unit.
In 2009, the unit which is based in Thurles, dealt with 246,194 applications and at present it is taking between 10 and 12 weeks to process.
Garda vetting for the youth work sector was formally introduced in September 2006 following protracted negotiations and an on-going campaign seeking such services for youth work organisations. The Garda Commissioner approved policy that An Garda Siochana should conduct Garda vetting in respect of persons of 16 years of age and over who have substantial unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults.
Deputy Kenny said: “The waiting period of 10 to 12 weeks is having an impact on many constituents throughout Mayo where they may urgently require their application to be approved in a more timely manner. Furthermore, a significant number of parents are concerned that many summer camps covering a wide variety of interests are being operated throughout Ireland for the summer without personnel being vetted who have access to children. This is an area that requires priority for vetting purposes.”
