General information and FAQ`s for security clearance procedures
The Security Clearance form and the following guidelines can be downloaded from the bottom of the page
The H&I committee and its members exist to carry the message of recovery to those who do not have regular access to NA meetings. The H&I committee see this type of addict as perhaps the most vulnerable of addicts as they do not have the freedom of choice that is afforded to the addict who can pick and choose from the NA meeting list. It has been the experience of NA members that H&I service while difficult at times, is the most rewarding service they have been involved in.
Security clearance for H&I service within the prisons is essential and must be vetted through the H&I committee. Clearance applications must be signed off by a member of the H&I committee and will not be processed by the prison service without the signature of H&I chairperson or otherwise specified member of the H&I committee. The prison service will not handle direct applications from members, nor will they handle individual applications from members or from the H&I committee, they will only accept a batch of applications from the H&I committee each time. The vetting procedure is by order of the Irish Prison Service and not of Narcotics Anonymous or H&I committee.
The H&I committee would like to state that we do not make decisions on who is best suited for prison service based on their clearance application and serve only as the applicants sponsor.
The process of applying for clearance or requesting information about clearance can be done through the following ways.
- Download application form from H&I tab on eastern area website. Then it can be either posted to H&I committee’s postal address or E-mailed to H&I E-mail address, these details are on bottom of this document.
- Complete application online and send back to E-mail address.
- Contact H&I through their E-mail address, postal address, phone number or in person to request a form or to ask for information about clearance.
Frequently asked questions
Q) How does the process work?
A) The process works in four phases which are:
- Phase 1: a member fills in the form and returns it to H&I committee
- Phase 2: the chairperson or otherwise specified committee member will sign the application off and then it will be posted as soon as there are a minimum of ten applications to be sent.
- Phase 3: the vetting unit of the department of justice will process the application and reply in writing to the H&I committee as to whether a member has been granted or denied access.
- Phase 4: the H&I committee will then contact the members concerned to tell them whether or not there application was successful.
A) Whether or not you have been in prison or treatment is irrelevant, NA members carry only a message of recovery from addiction.
Q) How much detail do I need to put on the clearance form?
A) All details must be filled in and be as accurate as possible.
Q) If I leave anything out what will happen?
A) In-complete forms will be sent back to H&I and the member will be contacted to complete the form if they wish to do so.
Q) I have been cleared in the past; do I need to be cleared again?
A) The new procedure came into effect in January 2009. If you have been granted clearance before this time it is now expired. Also, the new procedure consists of a fully detailed vetting form that is similar to a Garda clearance form, if you have not submitted one of these forms to the H&I committee, your clearance is expired. Expiry dates of all members are available from the H&I committee’s clearance database and will be provided upon request.
Q) How long does my clearance last for?
A) 3 years
Q) I have trouble reading and writing so will find it difficult to fill in the form, what do I do?
A) A member of the H&I committee will gladly assist you in completing the form.
Q) Can I complete the form over the phone with a member of the H&I committee?
A) Yes.
Q) My personal life is extremely busy at the moment and I could not commit to a position at this time but I would like to take up a position in the future, do I fill in the form now or wait until I am going to do service?
A) Fill in the form now. Because clearance lasts for 3 years you may want to take up a position when you have the time.
Q) How long will my application for clearance take?
A) Clearance can take anywhere from 12-20 weeks. When the application leaves H&I hands we have no control over it. Nonetheless, we regularly contact IPS for updates on what stage the applications are at.
Q) I have been in prison in the past; will this stop me from doing service in a prison?
A) From the viewpoint of the H&I committee, prison time will not stop you from doing service within the prison system.
Important information
At this point in time, the Irish Prison Service has stated very clearly that there will be no reasons given for a denied application. They have also given the committee no insight to their policy regarding clearance. The H&I committee regularly meet with the Irish Prison Service in relation to these matters and other matters of urgency and would request that members bear with us while we try gather an understanding of their policies and procedures. This is a process that will take time as H&I must abide by rules, regulations, policies and procedures that are layed down by all facilities that H&I attend.
The H&I committee understand that this document may not answer all your questions and we are actively seeking any suggestions or direction you feel might be helpful in the development of this document. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you,
H&I committee
The following documentation is available for download (MS Word)
Contact the H&I Committee at: chair_hi@nairleast.org - Tel: 087-9482300
Postal Address:
Narcotics Anonymous Ireland Eastern Area
H&I Commitee,
PO BOX 5793,
Rathmines,
Dublin 6,
Ireland.
Information last amended 03/07/2010.