'All-in-one' garda vetting system demanded

A major shake-up of Ireland’s vetting system is being demanded by one Cavan councillor, to replace what he describes as a cumbersome, repetitive process with a streamlined national model.

Addressing the April meeting of Cavan County Council, Independent Brendan Fay urged action at the highest level, calling on the Minister for Justice and the National Vetting Bureau of An Garda Síochána to fundamentally reform how vetting is carried out across the country.

Setting out his vision, he told his fellow elected members that the proposal is to introduce a national, centralised Garda vetting system based on the principle of ‘one card, one process’, applicable across all organisations in Ireland.

Under this, individuals would receive a secure, government-issued certification- potentially a digital card- recognised nationwide across sporting bodies, schools, charities, and voluntary groups.

“This system would provide individuals, upon successful completion of Garda vetting, with a secure, government-issued vetting certification or digital card, which would be recognised and accepted by all authorised organisations, including sporting bodies, schools, charities, community groups, and voluntary organisations,” he said.

Cllr Fay argued the current system is placing unnecessary strain on volunteers and organisations alike, forcing people to repeat the same checks again and again.

The proposed new system would eliminate the need for individuals to undergo multiple vetting applications for similar roles across different organisations, whilst also reduing the administrative burdens and delays currently experienced by organisations and volunteers.

It could also help kickstart greater participation in volunteering and community activity by “removing unnecessary barriers”.

However, Cllr Fay also called for a robust digital backbone to support the reform, alongside strict safeguards for personal data.

While acknowledging the importance of vetting in protecting children and vulnerable people, Cllr Fay insisted the current system is “no longer fit for purpose”.

“The current system, while essential for safeguarding, is fragmented and repetitive, requiring individuals to repeat the same process multiple times. This creates unnecessary delays, discourages volunteerism, and places avoidable strain on organisations.”

Cllr Fay signalled the need to push the matter in order to build national momentum and asked his motion also be circulated to other councils across the country.

His motion received backing from Independent Ireland's Shane P O'Reilly who said he had to get garda vetted seven times in recent years, with support also coming from Fianna Fáil's Patricia Walsh and Fine Gael's Winston Bennett. Trevor Smith (FG) suggested the new system should be styled on the current Safe Pass process, which needs renewing every couple of years. Áine Smith (FF) agreed, as did Niamh Brady and TP O'Reilly (FG), Clifford Kelly (FF) and Damien Brady and Stiofán Conaty (SF).

Published with support from the Local Democracy Scheme.