High Court finds parts of Garda vetting law unconstitutional

Judge likens the situation of two gardaí to 'playing Russian roulette' after they brought their action against Gsoc, the vetting bureau, An Garda Síochána, and the State

Judge Anthony Barr made the finding in the case of two gardaí who sued after the Garda ombudsman — then called Gsoc — notified the vetting bureau of concerns that the members posed a risk of harm to children or vulnerable adults. Picture: iStock

The High Court has declared as unconstitutional legislation requiring various watchdogs and regulatory bodies to notify the Garda National Vetting Bureau of individuals under investigation whom they believe could pose a danger to children or vulnerable people.

In a judgment today, Judge Anthony Barr found that certain sections of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 were unconstitutional.