Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2017
260. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there has been an assessment or audit of the costs that the almost 2 million false breath tests have had on the Garda budget; if overtime payments were made to members of An Garda Síochána while carrying out the fake breath tests; if there was a reduction in policing services to the public due to the fake breath test scandal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51919/17]
View answerI have requested a Garda report in relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy and I will be in contact with the Deputy directly immediately on receipt of a response from An Garda Síochána.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have previously put on record my deep concern at the serious failures of the Garda organisation in relation to mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints.
During his public meeting with the Policing Authority on 23 November, the Commissioner apologised for the significant organisational failure and acknowledged the resulting public disquiet. The Commissioner informed the Authority that the decision to take a future-focused, restorative approach allowed An Garda Síochána to focus on strategic reforms, changes to culture and embedding the Code of Ethics and performance management system, along with improving data quality.
The Government established the Policing Authority to ensure oversight of policing practices, shed light on problems and identify solutions through its structured engagement with An Garda Síochána. I fully expect the Commissioner to urgently address the issues highlighted by myself and the Policing Authority in relation to the breath test data discrepancies, and I welcome the continuing oversight of the Policing Authority in this respect. This Government has put in place significant Garda resources, both human and financial, but, as the Policing Authority has emphasised, cultural change within An Garda Síochána is of critical importance.
This is why one of the Policing Authority’s first acts was to introduce a Garda Code of Ethics. Adherence to that code must become a fundamental part of our policing. I previously made clear to Commissioner Ó Cualáin that Garda management must ensure that all members are committed to the values the Code sets out. I am confident that he and his colleagues understand the importance of ensuring that cultural change goes hand in hand with systemic improvements. The Policing Authority has a critical role to play in supporting and overseeing this process.
Moreover, it is important to remember that the expert Commission on the Future of Policing is undertaking a significant root and branch analysis of policing in Ireland. I have no doubt that this report will inform the Commission's work to bring about the transformation of policing in this country. However, I fully acknowledge the vital work undertaken everyday by the women and men of An Garda Síochána to ensure the safety and security of the people of Ireland.
I remain dedicated to doing everything in my power as Minister, in conjunction with the Policing Authority, to ensure ethical and excellent policing, robust oversight and the modernisation of An Garda Síochána to ensure it can operate effectively and professionally in the public interest.
