The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has issued a reminder to all coaches, staff and officials of children’s teams or vulnerable persons involved in Irish football that active Garda Vetting and Safeguarding requirements are mandatory.

Following a review by its Safeguarding Department, inconsistencies were identified in the FAI Connect system. The Association is now undertaking a comprehensive review of safeguarding compliance records.

All relevant individuals, clubs and leagues have been reminded that Garda Vetting is required, under the obligations under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 and applicable FAI Safeguarding policies.

To ensure compliance with statutory and FAI safeguarding requirements, individuals must not undertake any role involving children or vulnerable persons unless the necessary vetting has been completed and confirmed.

The Association has also reminded clubs, leagues and officials of current Garda Vetting application processing times and their responsibility to ensure that individuals undertaking roles requiring vetting have completed the necessary process before commencing those activities.

It is important to note that a Garda Vetting application is not considered complete until official confirmation has been received and the individual’s status is recorded as ‘Passed’.

The Association continues to provide support through education, systems, guidance and monitoring to help individuals, clubs and leagues meet their safeguarding obligations.