Tipperary TD Alan Kelly is seeking clarification as to when a decision was made not to vet Garda trainees before they entered the Garda training college in Templemore. The Labour party spokesperson on Justice is calling on the Taoiseach Micheal Martin to make a full statement on the issue. Deputy Kelly says he has been informed that many of the recent intake into Garda training college were not vetted in advance of their arrival in Templemore.
Deputy Kelly says the change was made to get trainees in faster and the intention is that they would be vetted before they left training college. Deputy Kelly describes the change as unacceptable as trainees have access to Garda uniforms, information, training processes, equipment and firearms.
The TD also questions the use of taxpayer money to train people that may not pass vetting. The fact that some of the applicants who passed entrance exams in 2023 have been bypassed by the 2024 intake is also a cause for concern and Deputy Kelly says this group may not ever enter Templemore due to the delays and inconsistent treatment of applicants. Deputy Kelly also wants clarification as to when the Minister for Justice became aware of the non-vetting of entries into the Garda training college, and if the Department of Justice approved the measure.
