Gardaí have confirmed they are investigating claims an unregulated emergency accommodation firm previously used by State child and family agency Tusla altered garda vetting files and “fabricated” pre-employment checks.
The issue was raised in the Dáil today after media reports referenced an internal Tusla compliance unit report into the case.
In a short statement to RTÉ News, a spokesperson confirmed that “gardaí attached to the Garda National Vetting Bureau are currently investigating this matter.”
In order to provide care for vulnerable children and young people, Tusla outsources some services to private providers.
Workers at these providers must meet strict garda vetting and training standards.
However, it emerged yesterday that an internal Tusla investigation found one firm – Ideal Care Services – did not meet these requirements, amid claims garda vetting files were altered and pre-employment checks “fabricated”.
Ideal Care Services has not responded to RTÉ requests for comment.
In a statement yesterday evening, Tusla said while it “cannot comment on prior or ongoing concerns”, all providers must show “evidence of staff vetting to its compliance unit”.
It said when concerns are identified Tusla takes “immediate action”, and that in the past year it “has identified private providers who have not met standards”.
At a previously scheduled meeting with the Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee today, Tusla’s chief executive Kate Duggan was asked by Labour TD Alan Kelly “how in the name of god did this happen”.
Ms Duggan responded by saying “75% of our [Tusla’s] funding goes out to community and voluntary and private services”.
She said while there are “double locks” and spot checks to ensure compliance, and that Tusla’s own compliance unit first highlighted the concerns, “we don’t see a copy of all the garda vetting documents, what we see is an assurance”.
