Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
752. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way civilianisation rates in An Garda Síochána stand up to international comparison; the targets he has set in respect of this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46055/13]
View answerI have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of full-time equivalent civilian staff employed in An Garda Síochána has increased from 1,166 at 31 December 2005 to 2,037 on 25 October 2013. This represents an increase of 871 staff (or just over 74%) in this period. The current ratio of civilians to members of An Garda Síochána stands at approximately 1:6. Given the different legal systems and different policing structures in different countries, eg common law or civil law jurisdictions, multiple police forces with different roles etc., and the fact that An Garda Síochána is a single national police force which is also responsible for security and intelligence services, comparisons with other countries are not always viable. Notwithstanding this, the ratio of 1:6 would appear to be lower than in some other comparable jurisdictions where it could be as high as 1:3 or 2:5.
The Haddington Road Agreement provides for a “review and make recommendations on the use by An Garda Síochána of the resources available to it, with the objective of achieving and maintaining the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness in its operation and administration". The review will provide an opportunity to consider the scope for further civilianisation in An Garda Síochána.
