Delays in processing applications by the Garda Vetting Unit for those working in childcare and voluntary organisations is preventing people taking up employment, according to Mayo Fine Gael TD, John O’Mahony.
Any person seeking to work in childcare or with any voluntary group must first be vetted by the Garda to prove he/she is a fit and proper person to carry out such work.
“The unit dealing with the vetting applications is based in Templemore and the simple truth is that it’s not adequately staffed to deal efficiently with the number of applications they have to deal with. I am aware of people who have been offered jobs and who are ready to start work but cannot do so without having clearance from the Garda Vetting Unit. Some of those applied for clearance last April and May but have still not heard back from the Vetting Unit,” he said.
Deputy O’Mahony said he fully supported the concept of people being vetted before they can start work. “Of course, it is absolutely imperative that a proper system be in place to ensure we have the right people working with children and vulnerable individuals but, equally, it is not acceptable that some people are being kept waiting for four months to receive their clearance certificate.
“I am calling on the Minister for Justice to ensure that the Gardaí are resourced with the proper number of staff to process the number of applications they are receiving and to ensure those who are waiting are dealt with as soon as possible. It doesn’t make any sense at all that we have people still on the Live Register who have work to go to but delays by an arm of the State is preventing them from doing so,” he said.
