Vol. 483 No. 6
56 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the terms of reference, if any, of the proposed independent review of Garda pay; the body which will undertake the review; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21088/97]
As indicated in my statement on 26 November 1997 at the publication of the report of the steering group on efficiency and effectiveness of the Garda Síochána, the Government has decided to implement the programme of change recommended in the report by establishing a steering group to develop and implement the overall programme for change. The names of the persons to be appointed to the steering group will be announced shortly.
One of the tasks of the steering group will be to oversee the "bottom-up" review of the force. This will involve the establishment of an in-depth examination to reach conclusions on the optimum number, structure and deployment of the gardaí and the appropriate mix between gardaí and civilians. Top priority is being afforded to this task and a sub-committee will be established immediately. The chairman of the sub-committee will be a member of the steering group.
A mechanism has been identified whereby Garda pay issues may be discussed within this implementation structure. The chairman of the "bottom-up" review will chair discussions, commencing without delay, between official and staff representatives on the issue of pay.
