Vol. 465 No. 4
31 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has for the restructuring of the Garda Síochána, with particular reference to appointing professional people from outside the Garda Force to middle and higher ranks, in order to establish whether the efficiency of the force can be improved. [9803/96]
43 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Justice whether she will make resources available with a view to improving professional advice within the Garda Síochána. [9759/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 43 together
In recent years the Garda Síochána has employed, on a contract basis, civilian staff with outside experience and expertise in a number of areas. These appointments include: a fleet manager, a head of research and two research officers, a head of information technology planning and an accountant for the Garda National Bureau of Fraud Investigation.
Such appointments are generally for a three to five year period, and further recruitment of this nature will be considered as the need arises. In addition, the Garda Commissioner avails of professional advice from outside consultants from time to time. Resources have been and will continue to be made available for this purpose, as required.
