Taking Care - Child Protection Guidelines

Garda Vetting - Your Questions Answered

1. What is Garda Vetting?

Basically a check on a person's criminal record.

2. Is it law that every youth organisations should administer Garda Vetting?

It is not law at the moment, but it is considered poor practice by the National Youth Council if it is not done. It is the policy of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

3. Who should undergo Garda Vetting?

All leaders, volunteers, teachers and staff members who are working with children and young people on a regular basis need to be vetted if they have been appointed since September 2006.

4. Can all existing leaders be vetted?

No, only leaders who have been appointed since September 2006 are currently vetted.

5. Do I have to be vetted by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland when I have already gone through the process with another organisation e.g. A school, Irish Girl Guides etc.?

Yes! Each appointment is treated separately with the exception of the Boys Brigade and the Girls Brigade.

6. How long does the process take?

Usually about 6 to 8 weeks.

7. Do leaders used on a rota basis have to be vetted?

No. As long as they are only used occasionally and never have one to one contact with members of the group other than their own children.

8. How often do I need to renew Garda Vetting?

Each person only needs to be vetted once at this moment in time.

9. If someone who is already vetted takes up a new position within the same congregation do they need to be re-vetted?

No. Vetting is valid for any position within the same congregation. So if a Youth Club leader who has been vetted decides to help out in the Sunday School they do not need to complete another form.

10. What about Young Leaders, do they have to be Garda vetted?

A 'Young Leader' or helper is a person aged 15-18. Only persons aged 18 and over are vetted. Therefore, young leaders can volunteer but they are not to be left alone with children and must be with someone else who has been Garda vetted.

11. Do volunteers have to pay for Garda vetting?

No, currently there is no cost incurred for Garda vetting either by the volunteer/paid worker, congregation or The Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

12. Surely if I use Garda vetting I can do without interviewing and references?

No! Garda vetting complements standard recruitment practices but it is only part of the whole picture. Applicants should still complete the application form (TCF3/04) however it should not be sent to the Taking Care Office but kept with the congregation.

13. What happens if a prospective leader refuses to fill in the Application Form for Garda vetting?

Their application cannot be processed and your congregation/organisation will not be able to use them.

14. Where can I get Garda Vetting forms?

Forms can be photocopied. For further forms, contact your Presbytery Clerk or the Taking Care Office.

15. Where do I send the Garda Vetting forms once completed?

Forms must be sent to the Taking Care Office. We send them onto National Youth Council. DO NOT give the forms to The Garda Central Vetting Unit or to any Garda station.

Before you send an application form to us, please check:

Have applicants answered every question including their PPS number?
Have the forms been signed by the applicant?
Have you completed the cover slip?