Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2017
143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the policing methods of An Garda Síochána are synchronised with those in other jurisdictions, with particular reference to rapid deployment, the availability of technology and visibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24690/17]
View answer148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the deployment of An Garda Síochána in this country compares with best practice throughout Europe, if particular improvements are obviously required to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of the force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24695/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 148 together.
I wish to assure the Deputy that when developing policy or legislation proposals on policing matters my Department would always have regard to international models. However, owing to a number of unique factors pertaining to the Garda Síochána, including the fact that it is a single national police force which provides a security and intelligence service as well as a policing service, international policing models may require tailoring to our circumstances.
Section 117(1) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 specifically requires the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to benchmark their recommendations by reference to the best standards of comparable police services. Arising from this requirement, every inspection conducted by the Garda Inspectorate, and any recommendation arising, has involved examining policing practices in other jurisdictions.
The Deputy will no doubt be aware that the recommendations of the Inspectorate's 2015 Report, 'Changing Policing in Ireland', form the basis of the Government's Five Year Reform and High-level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána which was agreed in July 2016. The Commissioner’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 is the vehicle for implementation of the some 240 recommendations (including sub-recommendations) of the Inspectorate report aimed at An Garda Síochána. Independent oversight of implementation is being provided by the Policing Authority which is reporting progress to me on a quarterly basis. I recently received the second progress report from the Authority. I am currently considering the report and expect to publish it very shortly. The Deputy may be aware that the first progress report, which I received in January, is already published on my Department's website. I am committed to publishing all future reports.
An Garda Síochána maintains close liaison with other law enforcement agencies internationally and the work of Garda liaison officers who are permanently based in other jurisdictions and in international bodies such as Interpol and Europol, greatly facilitate the prompt exchange of information and intelligence on criminal activity. Such international liaison has led to many parallel investigations with international law enforcement agencies. The Commissioner's policing plan for 2017 commits to building on An Garda Síochána's successful record of co-operation with international security services.
The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to the Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding has been provided for Garda ICT projects, including a roster management system to improve deployment of resources. A further €46 million has been earmarked to provide the Force with additional high-powered vehicles, marked and unmarked patrol cars, and motorcycles to enhance the mobility, visibility and responsiveness of the Garda in both urban and rural communities in their work in preventing and tackling crime. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I have no doubt that these new resources now coming on stream will benefit all areas of Garda activity.
In accordance with section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the direction and control of the Garda Síochána. In exercising this function, I understand that the Garda Commissioner has ensured that relevant policing developments in other jurisdictions, are reviewed on an on-going basis so that international best practice can be identified and, where appropriate, applied throughout the Garda Síochána.
