Garda Vetting Update and Changes July 2025
DCDE have previously been in touch to remind you of important changes to the Garda Vetting procedure for the Early Learning and Care (ELC), Childminding and School Aged Childcare (SAC) sector.
Their priority is to safeguard children, keeping them safe in all settings throughout Ireland.
Since 1 February 2025, the following is in effect:
-
Early Childhood Ireland manage Garda Vetting services for all employees in ELC and SAC services. You do not need to be a member of Early Childhood Ireland to access this free vetting service. You will, however, need to register with Early Childhood Ireland as a Garda Vetting User to access vetting services – click here for further information.
-
Tusla manage Garda Vetting services for registered providers, including childminders, as well as Chairpersons of Boards of Management (where they are the registered provider) and other persons assigned to carry out quality assurance visits on behalf of the chairperson– click here for further information.
-
Barnardos no longer provide vetting services.
Upcoming changes to the Garda Vetting
European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS), established in 2012, enables the secure exchange of criminal records across all EU member states. Each country has a designated Central Authority for Criminal Records, in Ireland, this is the Garda National Vetting Bureau.
As part of EU Directive 2011/93, EU countries are now required to carry out enhanced police checks for sexual offences when processing vetting applications. These changes are being rolled out across the EU.
As and from 7 July 2025 all Garda Vetting applications must satisfy the terms of this Directive.
What’s changing ?
Currently, the Garda National Vetting Bureau’s processing times are 8 to 10 working days (from when the applicant completes the link).
If an applicant has lived outside of the Republic of Ireland/Northern Ireland in an EU country or the UK, their Garda Vetting application will now take longer.
These additional days are in addition to the standard eight to 10 working days, meaning the total processing time may be significantly longer in these cases.
These changes to the Garda Vetting process are being introduced to align with evolving best practices and legal requirements. These changes aim to enhance the efficiency and strength of Child Safeguarding procedures.
Police Clearance Certificates are still required. The enhanced police checks are for sexual offences only and therefore these changes do not replace the existing requirement for Police Clearance Certificates.
It is important to note that if an applicant has lived outside of the
Republic of Ireland/Northern Ireland for 6+ consecutive months, they must still provide a Police Clearance Certificate from each country they lived in during that time.
What this means for you ?
It is important to keep these new timelines in mind when planning staff recruitment or vetting renewals. You will need to allow for the extra time for new EU checks under the directive.
Please note that the Garda National Vetting Bureau does not offer an expedited service. Garda Vetting relevant organisations (Early Childhood Ireland and Tusla) cannot accommodate requests to expedite or prioritise Garda Vetting applications.
Next Steps
Please note these changes in the Garda Vetting application process and then plan the timelines around your recruitment and onboarding processes accordingly. Garda Vetting is a critical element of providing safe, quality care for children.
Your Garda Vetting relevant organisation (Early Childhood Ireland and Tusla) will be in contact with you soon to help make this process as clear and manageable for you as possible.
It is vital that you remain compliant with vetting requirements at all times.
For further information, please visit the Gov.ie page with information on the Garda Vetting procedures for the sector here. This page will be updated regularly with any further details or guidance.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your current provider or contact your local City or County Childcare Committee.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work together to implement these new procedures.
