Appendix 3 of the Haddington Road Agreement was agreed between Garda Management, the Garda Associations and my Department and includes the agreed terms of reference of the review of the Garda Síochána. It is worthwhile noting them again:-
"To 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 shall encompass all aspects of the operation and administration of the Garda Síochána, including –
- the structure, organisation and staffing of the Garda Síochána;
- the deployment of members and civilian staff to relevant and appropriate roles;
- the remuneration and conditions of service of members of An Garda Síochána including an evaluation of annualised hours/shift pay arrangements;
- the appropriate structures and mechanism for the future resolution of matters relating to pay, industrial relations and attendant matters."
As the terms of reference states, the review will encompass all aspects of the operation and administration of the Garda Síochána.
The elements dealing with the remuneration and conditions of service of members of An Garda Síochána including an evaluation of annualised hours/shift pay arrangements and the appropriate structures and mechanism for the future resolution of matters relating to pay, industrial relations and attendant matters are being dealt with by Mr Ray McGee. Mr McGee was formerly the Deputy chair of the Labour Court.
The elements of the review dealing with the structure and organisation of the Garda Síochána and the deployment of members and civilian staff to relevant and appropriate roles are being undertaken by the Garda Inspectorate and they have also begun their work in this area.
I fully expect that both elements of the review will be made public in due course.
