Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 2

Written Answers. - Garda Review.

Denis Naughten

Question:

359 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the strategic management initiative review of Garda Síochána staffing and management will be completed; if this review is considering the closure of rural Garda stations and a review of Garda divisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15995/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Since 1998, substantial progress had been made in developing and implementing the recommendations contained in the Garda SMI report. The Garda SMI review is approaching completion and it is envisaged that the Garda SMI steering group will present its final report to Government in early 2002.

One major project under Garda SMI is the review of Garda structures and operating systems. This commenced in December 2000 and will be completed in the autumn of 2001. This review will develop the headquarters and regional structures, review headquarters' specific and core role functions, review the roles of ranks and develop criteria in relation to stations, focusing on the best use of resources to deliver a policing service to the community. The review will not be recommending the closure of Garda stations. The final report on structures and operating systems will first be considered by the Garda SMI steering group and, ultimately, by Government.