Chair of Kilkenny partnership urges review of garda vetting system

Significant concerns over the current garda vetting system have been raised by the chairman of the Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Pat Fitzpatrick.

“Garda vetting is a legal requirement for all individuals working with children and vulnerable adults under the National Vetting Bureau Acts 2012–2016 and is essential to safeguarding their safety and wellbeing. However, the number of applications required from individuals involved in more than one club or voluntary organisation can be excessive,” said Cllr Fitzpatrick.

“At present, volunteers or staff who participate in multiple clubs — such as sports teams, youth groups, charities or cultural organisations — must undergo garda vetting and the same background checks repeatedly for each organisation.

“This duplication results in significant delays and places considerable administrative and financial burdens on both the National Vetting Bureau and the volunteers and organisations that rely on it,” he added.

Cllr Fitzpatrick has raised this issue with the Department of Justice and is calling for a comprehensive review of the system. He has proposed the introduction of a passport-style Garda Vetting card that would remain valid for a specified period and be recognised by all clubs and voluntary organisations nationwide.

Cllr Fitzpatrick fully acknowledges the critical importance of garda vetting in safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults in clubs and organisations.

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However, he believes that once an individual has been vetted and approved, this clearance should be recognised across all organisations and groups.

He advocates for the introduction of a passport-style vetting card, valid for a set period, which would eliminate the need for duplicative vetting processes, ensuring that this essential safeguard remains robust while significantly reducing delays and administrative burdens on volunteers.

Cllr Fitzpatrick will continue to engage with the Department of Justice and key stakeholders to advocate for the introduction of this important reform.