Youth Council welcomes Garda Vetting legislation

New ‘E-Vetting’ promises to reduce vetting times

The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) – which represents organisations working with over 380,000 young people nationwide – has welcomed the commencement today (29.04.16) of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 – 2016. The Acts place mandatory Garda Vetting on a statutory footing for the first time.


Mary Cunningham, Director of NYCI, said:
“This new legislation is an important step forward for those working to place the safety of young people at the heart of our society. And, significantly, it is a step for which the youth sector is ready.  We introduced Garda vetting as part of our good practice in the recruitment of volunteers and staff as early as 2008, so we don’t foresee any major disruption as a result of the Acts. In fact, when the new eVetting system, which the Acts also allow for, has bedded in, vetting turn-around times will be much improved.”

“Vetting is a crucial part of the overall system in place to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults. It is vital that the vetting system is robust, effective and efficient and that we embrace the potential of technology at all times through developments such as eVetting. We believe the commencement of this legislation today is an important step in that regard,” concluded Ms Cunningham.

The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) is a membership-led umbrella organisation that represents and supports the interests of voluntary youth organisations. Established in 2004, the NYCI Child Protection Programme works with youth organisations and others in assessing and addressing the child protection needs of the youth work sector.

 

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