A NUMBER OF garda recruits will be delayed entering the force as planned next week due to delays with receiving their garda vetting.

Sinn Féin’s justice spokesperson Matt Carthy has claimed the number of impacted trainees could be as high as 20.

Carthy quizzed the Justice Minister on the matter today during his appearance at the Oireachtas Justice Committee, with the minister saying he could not say how many trainee guards are impacted. 

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said approximately 170 new gardaí are due to join the force as probationer gardaí following their passing out ceremony in Templemore next Friday. 

O’Callaghan noted that the garda vetting process has been changed and conceded that there are issues with vetting, for example, in instances where a trainee may be from outside the State. 

“That can create difficulty in terms of providing information, but the changes that have been introduced have [sped] up the process of vetting,” the Minister maintained.

In a statement following today’s committee, Carthy said it is “unbelievable” that new gardaí are being prevented from starting work because of this issue.

“I have been told that this could affect up to 20 of the 170 gardaí due to attest next week.

“While not confirming the numbers, the minister has conceded that these gardaí will not be able to report for work as a result of not having garda clearance. This is absurd especially at a time when there is a clear shortage of gardaí in so many communities,” Carthy said.

He said this is evidence that the garda vetting process is not fit for purpose.

“I have raised many times the impact that this is having on community groups and sports organisation, but it is incredible that now we will have members of An Garda Síochána who have graduated from the Garda College but now won’t be able to take up their duties.

“The garda vetting review was established in 2021 and recently submitted an update on its work to the minister that includes a number of recommendations. Unfortunately, there is no sign of urgency in relation to this from the minister and his department. It is now four years since the review was established,” Carthy said.

He called on the Minister to “get on with the job of ensuring we have a vetting process that is both efficient and fit for purpose”.

An Garda Síochana has been contacted for comment.