Garda vetting through the FAI is a statutory requirement under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 to 2016 and Children First Act (2015). Garda vetting must be completed prior to the commencement of any position for those who will be working with Children (under the age of 18) and/or Vulnerable Persons. 

The FAI has set out mandatory requirements for Garda Vetting within the FAI Governance Handbook Section 3, regulations 12.3- 12.4 (page 64) and The FAI Child Welfare and Child Safeguarding policy

Any individual or organisation who breaches these requirements may face FAI disciplinary action and may also be report to statutory authorities for breach of the above-mentioned acts. 

No Garda Vetting other than that completed through the FAI can be accepted. 

Full details of the process can be found within the FAI Child Welfare and Child Safeguarding policy and guidance to help the applicants can be download from this page (FAI Garda Vetting Application Full Guide)

You will also find handy tips on completing the process here and information on who can validate your ID here

An individual’s criminal record may change at any time hence the importance of general practices being put into place around safe recruitment, references and safe practices in working with Children and Vulnerable Persons. The current FAI policy for re-vetting is a maximum of 3 years. Shorter periods, however, may be issued by the Child Welfare & Safeguarding Committee. 

Notwithstanding, if any person has a concern that an individual should be re-vetted at an earlier interval, this should be requested. Additionally, if the individual’s role changes within the organisation, they should complete a new Garda vetting application.  

All queries in relation to Garda Vetting should be emailed to [email protected]

For any child welfare or safeguarding concerns, please email [email protected]  

Please note all Garda Vetting is completed through the FAI Comet system. No postal applications will be accepted or processed.   

ANY INCOMPLETE FORMS WILL BE RETURNED AND DELAY THE PROCESS