Gardaí to provide ‘soft information’ on potential staff

GARDAÍ will be able to provide organisations with “soft information” about potential employees who pose a risk to children or vulnerable adults under new laws.

Soft information includes evidence gathered in formal investigations, which is bona fide or genuine, but which falls short of the standard required to convict someone in a criminal court.

Proposed laws will also make it a criminal offence to employ someone without first obtaining vetting in cases where garda clearance is required. Likewise, an employer who employs a person who has been refused clearance will be guilty of an offence.