Garda vetting is a process of checking the Garda criminal records system to verify whether an individual has a record of criminal convictions, arrests, prosecutions or cases pending.
This information is supplied, on a confidential basis, with the individual’s consent (on the basis on their original signature on the vetting application form), for the sole purpose of informing decision making in recruitment. There is no legal obligation on an employer to insist on, or make a position dependent on, Garda vetting. However it is considered an essential element of good recruitment practice for organisations working with children and young people.
It is important to note that Garda vetting is but one aspect of the overall recruitment process and should be implemented in the context of safe recruitment practice which includes:
- Confirmation of identity (including name, age, address and nationality)
- Thorough reference checks (written and verbally confirmed)
- Adequate supervision, management and performance appraisal processes
Vetting information is provided, in confidence, to the employing organisation, not to the individual and is not transferable. A number of arts and youth work organisations registered with the Garda Vetting Unit will process vetting applications on behalf of potential employers in the arts sector. They include:
Vetting through Create is available to organisations that affiliate to its vetting service. This is aimed at organisations that intend to employ or host an artist(s) for work that may involve regular, unsupervised or otherwise substantial access to children or young people.
- National Association of Youth Drama (NAYD)
34 Upper Gardiner Street
Dublin 1
01 8781301
Contact: Anna Galligan
Email: anna@nayd.ie
NAYD currently offer Garda vetting to youth theatres affiliated to NAYD only and due to the structure of the Garda vetting process are unable to offer Garda vetting to individuals. Artists or outside professionals wishing to work with youth theatres need to be processed through the organisation or youth theatre they are going to be employed by.
Poetry Ireland currently provides vetting to artists who wish to participate in its 'Writers in Schools’ Scheme and other organisations in the literature sector.
- National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI)
Child Protection Unit
3 Montague Street
Dublin 2
01 4784122
Email: childprotection@nyci.ie
The Child Protection Unit at the NYCI processes Garda Vetting applications of behalf of affiliated organisations working in the youth sector, including organisations involved in youth arts.
