Garda vetting now vital for many organisations countrywide
Dear Editor,
WHEN the National Vetting Bureau Act commenced in April 2016, it immediately made it a legal requirement for relevant organisations to have anyone working in a relevant role with children or vulnerable adults Garda Vetted before they started in their role.
This applied to all workers whether paid or unpaid. There was also a stipulation in the new legislation that made it a legal requirement for all organisations to retrospectively Garda Vet everyone already in their organisation that is performing a relevant role in their organisation by 31st December 2017.
Louth Volunteer Centre, who provide a Garda Vetting service to the not-for-profit sector in Louth, are urging organisations to check whether they have met their legal duties as this deadline fast approaches.
It is each organisation’s legal and civic duty to ensure that their clients are safeguarded, we are reminding organisations whose clients are children or vulnerable adults to double check that all of their staff and volunteers in relevant roles have been Garda Vetted.
As the new legislation has also introduces eVetting, the process is now much simpler and quicker, and Louth Volunteer Centre are happy provide assistance to any group that need it.
It is now a criminal offence not to retrospectively vet, and penalties for failure to comply with the National Vetting Bureau Act include fines and / or imprisonment.
Any organisations that need to access Garda Vetting, or are unsure whether they need to complete Garda Vetting for their staff and volunteers, can contact Louth Volunteer Centre on 041 980 9008 or email kayleigh@volunteerlouth. ie for information.