Speaking ahead of a second stage debate on the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) (Amendment) Bill 2022, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Pa Daly TD, has today commented on the changes required in vetting legislation.  
 
Teachta Daly said:

 “Everyone accepts and understand the need for vetting, with the Garda vetting system as a whole representing a crucial measure which protects children and vulnerable adults. Garda vetting is used in many professional and voluntary contexts, in both paid and voluntary roles.
 
“The vast majority of individuals have nothing to fear from the process, and it is a vital component in the recruitment process for jobs and voluntary roles involving vulnerable people.
 
“The Private Members Bill introduced by Sinn Féin simplifies the Garda vetting process for volunteers and workers. It creates a ‘Safe Pass’ for people within the affected industries, whilst also allowing for a person’s record to be updated where a criminal conviction occurs.
 
“The Bill would create a ‘Register of Generalised Consents’, which would be less cumbersome and more effective for those who must be vetted multiple times. In the research surrounding this Bill, I saw that a number of TDs have inquired about the creation of a one-off solution for vetting.
 
“Assuming it passes second stage, I look forward to a further engagement with other TDs and the department. As the Bill was drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Legal Adviser, to whose staff I would like to extend a sincere thanks, it is legally sound and the merits of the policy can take centre stage in any debate.
 
“In government, Sinn Féin would implement changes to vetting legislation to facilitate ease of use whilst protecting the vulnerable at the same time.”
 
ENDS