Fianna Fáil TD for Louth Erin McGreehan has called for urgent reform of the Garda vetting system, warning that ongoing delays are preventing staff from taking up roles and deepening the staffing crisis in the early years sector.
Recent figures provided to Deputy McGreehan by the Minister for Justice revealed that in 2025, the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB) processed 633,563 applications, with 230,370 applications already received by the end of April 2026.
The figures also showed that of the 39,159 applications in progress at the beginning on May, 61 of these applications are in progress for over 12 weeks. 73 applications are in progress for over 8 weeks and 2,499 applications are in progress for over 4 weeks.
The remaining 36,526 were received within the last 4 weeks.
Deputy McGreehan said she has been contacted by childcare providers struggling to recruit and retain staff due to bottlenecks in the vetting process.
McGreehan said these figures reflect what providers are experiencing on the ground.
“Even where delays affect a minority of applications, the reality is that childcare providers cannot operate without staff. When vetting is delayed, rooms cannot open, places cannot be offered, and families are left without options,” she said.
Deputy McGreehan acknowledged the importance of Garda vetting in safeguarding children and vulnerable people, but stressed that the system must be fit for purpose.
“Garda vetting is essential, but the system must work efficiently. Right now, it is creating unnecessary barriers for people ready and willing to work in a sector that is already under severe pressure,” she said.
The Minister has confirmed that reforms are being developed, including the introduction of vetting portability and updates to re-vetting requirements, alongside plans to expand digital service delivery.
McGreehan has welcomed this commitment but is now calling for accelerated action.
“We cannot afford delays in implementing these reforms. A modern, digital system that allows vetting to move with the individual between roles would eliminate duplication and significantly reduce waiting times,” she said.
Deputy McGreehan also called for greater transparency and usability within the system:
“Applicants and employers should be able to track progress clearly, just like any modern online service. Repeated applications for the same individual across different organisations is an outdated and inefficient approach.
“The early years sector is the backbone of our communities and our economy. We need to remove administrative obstacles and support providers to deliver the services families rely on every day,” she said.
For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.
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