Govt must explain why they signed off on non-vetting of Garda trainees
Speaking in the Dáil today, Labour’s justice spokesperson Alan Kelly questioned the Taoiseach on who signed off on the non-vetting of Garda trainees entering Templemore.
Deputy Kelly said:
“I have been made aware of the fact that many of the recent intake into Garda training college were not vetted in advance of their arrival in Templemore.
“Ordinarily, people going into Garda training college had to be vetted in advance, and while the length of time associated with this has always been an issue, it has been crucial to ensure security and value for money for tax payers.
“In a rush to massage the Garda figures, last year the Garda Commissioner ignored the vetting process for the latest intake in order to fast track enrolment numbers.
“When this was raised by Garda representative bodies, they said they did so to get trainees in and would vet the cohort before they left training college.
“It is totally unacceptable for this Government to sign off on people entering into the Garda college without being vetted. In Templemore, trainees have access to Garda uniforms, information, training, equipment and firearms.
“A number of questions now arise that I have asked the Taoiseach to answer.
“What sort of way is this to treat the tax payer? Garda training costs hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of euro. What will be the outcome for recruits that were trained but won’t pass the vetting process?
“This action raises serious safety issues and potential risks to public. I would ask the Taoiseach and the Minister to give a statement on the fact that people were given access to uniforms, firearms, etc., without any vetting process.
“How is it acceptable that some of those who passed exams are awaiting vetting in 2023 have been bypassed by an intake in 2024? Some of the 2023 group are still waiting vetting under the old rules for entry into Garda college. Many of these have now decided not to join Gardaí, haven taken up other jobs or immigrated.
“Crucially, when did the Minister for Justice become aware of this non-vetting of entries into Templemore, and did the Department agree to it?
“I urge the Taoiseach to make a full statement on the matter and I will be following up with him and the Minister for Justice.”