asked the Minister for Justice the terms of reference of the management consultants at present examining the structure of the Garda Síochána; when he expects their report to be completed; and if he will make a general statement on the matter.
7.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Síochána Structure.
6.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will postpone the contemplated structural changes within the Garda Síochána until such time as the report of the management consultants at present examining Garda affairs is available.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.
The terms of reference are rather long and I have set them out in a separate statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to have circulated with the Official Report.
The final report of the consultants is expected in about a year's time, the target time being July, 1976. I do not think I can usefully make any statement at this stage other than to say that I am confident that this is a project which will be well worthwhile, all the more so since it appears to have been widely welcomed within the force.
I do not know what the Deputy has in mind when he refers to the contemplated structural changes within the Garda Síochána but in any event I can say that I would agree that no major organisational changes should be introduced while the survey is proceeding. Of course, this does not exclude the possibility of an interim report, if such appeared desirable, in relation to some particular aspect of the consultants' work which could be dealt with in advance of their general report.
Following is the statement:
Terms of Reference for Management Consultants carrying out a survey within The Garda Síochána.
Management—1 (a) To examine the management structure of the Garda Síochána with particular reference to the structure at superintendent and higher levels and to the organisation of Garda Headquarters and of Divisional and District Offices; and to recommend the organisational and staffing structures best suited to the efficient discharge of the duties and functions of the Force.
(b) To examine the organisation of planning in the force, including the role and staffing of the Garda Research and Planning Unit; and to recommend any changes considered necessary.
(c) To examine the systems of review and control of Garda strength and to recommend any changes considered necessary to ensure the most efficient deployment of the available strength having regard to the duties of the Force, the needs of different areas and the necessity of keeping workloads within proper limits.
Finance—2. To examine the system of financial controls exercised in or in relation to the Garda Síochána and to recommend any changes considered necessary, bearing in mind the need to maintain accountability for the expenditure of public funds.
Personnel Policies—3. To examine the personnel policies of the Force with particular regard to training at different levels and to selection systems for promotion and promotion policies generally; and to recommend any changes considered necessary in the interests of the overall well-being and efficiency of the Force.
Would the Minister not agree that the legislation which the Minister for Local Government has before the House at present will affect the normal recognised duties of the Garda Síochána, if enacted?
I would not agree.