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Garda Reform

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 July 2018

Thursday, 5 July 2018

Questions (31)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

31. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which he expects reform of An Garda Síochána to take place under the new Garda Commissioner with particular reference to the need to restore both public confidence and morale within the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29672/18]

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Written answers

Firstly let me say that I am pleased that the rigorous selection process conducted by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) on behalf of the Policing Authority has come to a successful conclusion with the recent decision by Government to appoint Mr. Drew Harris as the next Garda Commissioner. Mr Harris will take up office for a period of five years commencing in September.

This is the first occasion that the independent Policing Authority has exercised its function in relation to the filling of this important position. I thank the Authority and the Public Appointments Service for their intensive work over the past ten months on this process. The selection process was an open, international one, designed with the objective of attracting the widest possible pool of candidates from diverse backgrounds to ensure that the successful candidate would be tested against international standards in police leadership.  I understand it worked well in attracting a strong field of high calibre candidates. All those who put themselves forward were subject to robust scrutiny by an independent expert interview board which determined Mr Harris to be the best person for the office at this time. 

The incoming Commissioner will take up office at a time of major reform and investment which will redefine An Garda Síochána as an organisation. In addition, the start of his tenure will coincide with the publication of the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland which will chart a new course for policing in the decades ahead. I am confident that Mr Harris has the necessary ability and vital policing, security and change management experience required to lead An Garda Síochána at this critical juncture. He will bring his talents to the challenge of transforming An Garda Síochána so that it becomes a model of policing excellence, equipped to deal with the huge range of challenges facing police services worldwide. 

I look forward to working with the incoming Commissioner on our shared objective of ensuring the security of the State and the safety of the public. I am sure that the Deputy and all members of this House will join me in wishing Mr Harris every success as Commissioner and assuring him of our support as he takes on this most important of roles.

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