Garda Vetting Explained
Everyone who works with children in Ireland must be vetted by the National Vetting Bureau of An Garda Síochána. It’s a standard check, and every crèche will require it before you start.
How it works. You don’t apply for Garda vetting yourself. The crèche that offers you a job (or the organisation it uses for vetting) sends you an invitation. You fill in an online form with your details and every address you’ve lived at, then confirm your identity. The Garda National Vetting Bureau then completes the check and returns the result to the organisation.
How long it takes. It’s often a few weeks, but it can take longer at busy times. Complete the form as soon as you receive it.
If you’ve lived abroad. Crèches will usually also ask for a police certificate from any country where you’ve lived for a significant time, such as a criminal record certificate from your home country. Request it before you move, as it’s much easier to arrange from home.
What to have ready:
- photo ID (passport or national ID card)
- proof of address
- a list of every address you’ve lived at, with dates
- police certificates from countries you’ve lived in
Being organised with these documents can help you start your new job sooner.