When a young person gets their first job, it should be a moment of pride and excitement — a step into independence and adulthood. For many Irish families, though, it’s also a moment of worry. My niece recently started her first job, and while I’m proud of her, I can’t help but feel concerned. She’s still underage, and like any young worker, she deserves to feel safe and protected in her workplace.

 

That’s why I’m calling for a simple, common-sense change: require Garda vetting for all managers who work directly with underage employees, no matter the industry.

 

Right now, Garda vetting is mandatory in some areas, like education — but not everywhere. This means that thousands of managers across Ireland can supervise or train underage workers without ever being vetted. With over 200,000 young people aged 15–19 employed in Ireland, that’s a gap we simply can’t ignore.

 

Every parent, guardian, and young worker deserves peace of mind knowing that those in positions of authority have been properly screened. Garda vetting isn’t about creating barriers — it’s about creating safety, trust, and accountability.

 

Our teenagers shouldn’t have to trade their safety for experience. We, as Irish people, have always valued the protection and well-being of our youth. Let’s make sure the law reflects that.

 

By signing this petition, you’re calling on the government to make Garda vetting compulsory for all managers who supervise underage employees, in every workplace across Ireland.

 

Let’s stand together for our children, our nieces and nephews, our younger siblings — for every young person taking their first step into working life.

Sign now to help protect their safety, dignity, and future.