The decentralisation of the Garda vetting unit to Thurles, Co Tipperary, will take place before a September deadline.
The unit has an expanding role in the screening of people seeking employment in health, education and other sectors.
Newly appointed Garda inspector Pat Burke, who will oversee the Government decentralisation programme, has confirmed that the Garda Commissioner has set September 1st as the deadline for the movement of the unit to Thurles.
The unit, which was established in 2002, currently processes vetting requests concerning prospective full-time employees of the health authorities and certain agencies funded by the health authorities.
It offers a comprehensive national vetting service of all persons working with children and vulnerable adults.
The new unit is also expected to give priority to the education sector to ensure that no person with a child-abuse record is employed in any capacity in the sector.
The impending opening of the unit has been welcomed by local public representatives.
"The news is very welcome because there has been recent concern over the progress of the unit," said local councillor Seamus Hanafin.
"It will prove a huge boost to the local economy, and everyone is looking forward to seeing the project up and running."
The unit will be located initially on a temporary basis at a technology park.
It will be at this site while preparatory work continues on purpose-built facilities on a greenfield site on the Brittas Road.
A total of 50 staff are expected to take up duty at the new unit in October.
They will remain at the temporary location until the expected completion of the new facility in 2008.
The new unit, when completed, is expected to create 200 jobs in the town.
This is a much-needed jobs boost to the Thurles area following a number of recent high-profile job losses.