Longford councillor calls for streamlining of Garda vetting process

The inefficiency of the current Garda vetting process was highlighted when members of Longford County Council discussed a motion on the issue.
Cllr Paul Ross (pictured) suggested Justice Minister Simon Harris brings in a 'one for all' Garda vetting process. Cllr Ross said at present volunteers seeking Garda vetting may have to go through the process multiple times if they are involved in different organisations or workplace.

Councillor Paul Ross described the current system of vetting as “outdated”.
“Anyone who works or volunteers with children is required to be Garda vetted to check if they have a criminal record,” Cllr Ross explained.
He argued in his motion that the 'one for all' online vetting system should be introduced to replace the current one: “If involved in the local GAA club, on the School Board of Management and the Community Games.

“ Each one requires a different Garda Vetting process. It can take up to four weeks depending on the time of the year. I have to go through the whole process multiple times. It's an antiquated system. In my opinion there should be a live online system where some organisation can log in with my details and they can see that I'm Garda vetted, or I can print off my Garda vetting form.”
He said another issue with the system is that the vetting last for three years, while if a problem crops up in that time the voluntary organisation is not informed.

Cllr Ross said the present system is a huge administrative burden for the Gardaí and “a waste of money”.
Cllr Colm Murray formally supported the motion: “It's a problem that has been around for quite some time.”
Cllr Pat O'Toole said he also fully supported the motion and said the process needs to be streamlined.