Let's stop putting employment barriers in front of people with criminal convictions

Understanding Garda vetting — what it is and what it isn't — is one of the first steps we must take towards rehabilitating those of us who have made mistakes

Beyond employment, the consequences of a conviction can include restricted access to housing, insurance, education, welfare, travel, and more. File picture: Alison Laredo

While many have heard of Garda vetting, the criminal background check carried out by An Garda Síochána is frequently misunderstood and misrepresented in public discourse.

Discussing individual cases publicly also demonstrates disregard for the privacy and reintegration of people with convictions.