To coincide with the commencement of the National Vetting Bureau Act, An Garda Síochána have introduced an eVetting system which will allow members of the public to apply online for vetting. Cycling Ireland have taken up the opportunity to participate in this development, which should result in a quicker and more efficient vetting system for the organisation and its members.
Established in 2005, The Garda Central Vetting Unit (now the National Vetting Bureau) managed approximately 1,000 vetting applications per year. This number has seen a dramatic increase, reaching approximately 350,000 applications in 2015. This increased demand reflects a growing culture of awareness and commitment to protecting children and vulnerable persons in our community. Cycling Ireland upholds this commitment, and is confident that the migration to an online e-vetting system will facilitate an effective vetting process.
The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016
The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 commenced on 29th April 2016. As a result, it is now a statutory requirement for all people working with children or vulnerable persons to be vetted. Garda vetting is a well established process in Cycling Ireland and an important aspect of the organisation’s recruitment and selection procedures.
The National Vetting Bureau Act provides a legislative basis for the mandatory vetting of individuals who wish to undertake certain work or activities, either in a paid or voluntary capacity, relating to children or vulnerable persons. In essence any person who engages with children or vulnerable persons on a regular, ongoing basis must have received confirmation from Cycling Ireland that they are ‘deemed acceptable' to fill the position from a National Vetting perspective. Under the National Vetting Bureau Act it is an offence to engage with children or vulnerable persons on a regular, ongoing basis in the absence of clearance from Cycling Ireland.
National Vetting Bureau Procedural Arrangements
In order to facilitate the smooth transition from the existing vetting system to that of eVetting, Cycling Ireland will no longer accept paper vetting applications. Instead, we invite members to complete an eVetting application. Guidelines regarding the steps involved in the eVetting process are available here.
Cycling Ireland thanks its members for their patience and cooperation in this move and is happy to be at the centre of a community that promotes the welfare of children and vulnerable persons.