asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the matters under consideration by the ministerial advisory group on the Garda Síochána under the chairmanship of a person (details supplied); if this group has reported to him on any of these subjects; and if he will make a statement on these matters.
Written Answers. - Garda Síochána Ministerial Advisory Group.
27.
The group in question was established by the Government last year with the objective that it should act as a source of advice to me on Garda management and on other non-operational Garda matters in relation to which professional skills and expertise, drawn from outside the force, can be expected to be of particular value.
As will be appreciated, the initial task of the group is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the administrative structures and procedures of the force and to arrive at conclusions as to the areas of force management to which the group should direct its particular skills and expertise. To this end the group has had meetings with the most senior Garda managers and with the representative bodies and associations which represent the views of the various Garda ranks. As a first project the group has undertaken an examination of administrative procedures within the force.
I want to make it clear that I do not see this group, and the Group does not see itself, as having the task of submitting formal reports to me on particular subjects at particular intervals. The intention is that the group will present to me, informally and at any time they wish, any advice which they have to offer in accordance with their terms of reference.