Niall Collins
Question:266. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when she expects the new Garda authority to be established. [41136/14]
View answerTuesday, 18 November 2014
Questions (266)
Written answers
The establishment of the Independent Policing Authority is a major element of the comprehensive programme of justice reform which is being delivered by the Government. In that context the Government has indicated its intention that the new Authority should be in operation as soon as possible.
I have recently published the General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill 2014 which makes provision for the establishment of the Policing Authority. The General Scheme has been referred to the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality for scrutiny in parallel with the priority drafting of the Bill which will be brought before the Oireachtas as soon as practicable.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Government has nominated Ms Josephine Feehily as the first Chairperson-designate of the Policing Authority. Ms Feehily is a woman of unimpeachable integrity and unquestioned ability who will bring a wealth of experience and competences, including in the area of investigations, to her new role. In her capacity as Chairperson-designate she will be involved in the final rounds of the recruitment process of the new Garda Commissioner as well as the preparations to be made for the establishment of the Authority.