Thomas P. Broughan
Question:114. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce new legislation restructuring policing services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39992/17]
View answerThursday, 21 September 2017
Questions (114, 115)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:115. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is considering legislation on the lines of the Police (Northern Ireland) Acts 2000 and 2003 passed by the UK parliament on the restructuring of policing services here. [39993/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland was established by Government in April 2017 to undertake an independent, comprehensive examination of all aspects of policing including all functions currently carried out by An Garda Síochána (community safety, security and immigration). It is also to examine the full range of bodies that have a role in providing oversight and accountability for their activities; the Policing Authority, the Garda Inspectorate, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, my Department and the Government.
The terms of reference require the Commission to bring forward proposals addressing five themes:
- structures and management arrangements required for the most effective delivery of policing (including all functions currently carried out by An Garda Síochána);
- appropriate composition, recruitment and training of personnel;
- culture and ethos of policing;
- appropriate structures for oversight and accountability; and
- legislative framework for policing.
The terms of reference also call on the Commission to have regard to:
- existing and emerging issues identified as key challenges for Ireland’s model of policing;
- best practices in the policing models of other countries focused towards greater effectiveness and efficiency, and fostering public confidence in policing;
- previous reports concerning policing in Ireland;
- any specific challenges to delivering consistent structural and cultural reform in policing.
The Commission is to report by September 2018 and it may, in accordance with its terms of reference, bring forward immediate proposals and rolling recommendations for implementation that it considers are required to be addressed in the short-term and in advance of its final report and my Department will progress any legislative changes, as appropriate.