Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014
504. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which reform is envisaged for An Garda Síochána with particular reference to the need to ensure the restoration of morale and public confidence in the force notwithstanding the number of issues that have arisen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27402/14]
View answerIt is essential that members of the public have full confidence in the Garda Síochána and in the operation of our criminal justice system. In that context the Government has initiated a comprehensive reform programme and the project is being overseen by a Cabinet Committee on Justice Reform. This Committee is chaired by the Taoiseach; and the other members are the Tánaiste, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, myself as Minister for Justice and Equality and the Attorney General. Under the Government’s programme:
- An Independent Garda Authority is to be established by the end of this year,
- Future appointments to the position of Garda Commissioner will be by way of open competition,
- A Commission of Investigation, headed by Mr Justice Fennelly, has commenced work in examining issues relating to the recording of telephone calls at Garda stations and associated matters,
- The Government has undertaken to establish a Commission of Investigation in line with recommendations made in the Guerin Report,
- The Garda Inspectorate has been tasked with carrying out an inquiry into the management and operational issues arising from the findings in the report of Mr Guerin,
- An independent expert review of the performance, management and administration of the Department of Justice and Equality has been established and its report is expected by July,
- Amendments have been made to the Protected Disclosures Bill, which is currently going through the Oireachtas, to enable a Garda whistleblower to report their concerns direct to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), and
- New legislation will shortly be introduced to strengthen the powers and remit of GSOC.
Given the very extensive set of measures I have outlined, the Deputy will appreciate the seriousness and the urgency with which the reform programme is being pursued by the Government.
