Garda vetting unit set to receive 25 extra staff

The Garda unit charged with vetting employees to work with children and vulnerable adults is to get 25 extra staff, Justice Minister Alan Shatter has announced.

The Garda Central Vetting Unit has been struggling to cope with the demand for clearance among prospective employees. Last year it dealt with some 350,000 applications, claiming a processing time of eight weeks.

The work of the unit it set to be considerably expanded under new legislation as more types of activity are brought within its remit.