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# Background Checks
Garda vetting times have improved by over 50%
Nearly 160,000 people have applied so far this year.
THE WAITING TIME for Garda vetting has dropped by over 50%, but still takes an average of a month.
The improvement in the waiting times was revealed by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, who told the Dáil that the waiting times last year had gone up to nine weeks.
Responding to a question from Fine Gael’s Denis Naughten, Fitzgerald said that authorities are considering an e-vetting solution.
The vetting is needed by, among others, people who want to work with children or vulnerable adults and in the taxi industry.
“Garda Vetting applications are processed on a first come, first served basis in chronological order from date of receipt. This is with a view to observing equity and fairness in respect if all vetting subjects.
“Processing times fluctuate upwards and downwards depending on seasonal demands and volumes received, and depending on whether further enquiries have to be conducted with external Garda Stations or Agencies. I believe that the current processing time of 4 weeks is a reasonable turnaround time for vetting applications.
An e-vetting solution is currently being developed and it is envisaged that this will streamline the entire vetting process and greatly contribute to a reduction in processing times for vetting applications.
Read: 25 extra staff to help reduce waiting times for Garda vetting
Read: GSOC: Report about gardaí illegally recording calls not sent to Shatter – but did go to Commissioner
