Garda Vetting

A Garda vetting application authorises An Garda Síochána to furnish a statement to the applicant (i.e. the Childminder, who has applied for vetting as the owner of the Childminding Service) that there are no convictions recorded against her in the Republic of Ireland or elsewhere, or a statement of all convictions and/or prosecutions, successful or not, pending or completed, in the State or elsewhere as the case may be.

Garda vetting for Childminders is organised through Barnardos. Contact Barnardos vetting service: By phone (021) 454 70 60

The service is free. However, if you have lived abroad for any period you will be required to submit information pertaining to the relevant jurisdiction with your application. Costs accrued regarding accessing that information will be borne by you.

Vetting takes approximately 8 weeks. This time will be extended in the event that insufficient or wrong information is included on the application.

All Tusla registered Childminders must have Garda Vetting, but best practice would indicate that all Childminders and their emergency backup contact should be Garda Vetted.

Yes. Simply complete the vetting form and sign it in the space marked Manager / owner. If you are not required to notify your childminding service to Tusla, you and other adults (18years and over), living in the family home can still apply for vetting.

A statement is returned to you from the Garda vetting unit with details any conviction/prosecutions. The Barnardos Vetting Service only refers a disclosure to the Tusla where there is cause for concern in relation to the welfare of children.