Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 July 2018
64. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the fact that only 50% of gardaí who have received training in the new code of ethics have signed a declaration form to testify they subscribe to same will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29638/18]
View answerAt the outset, let me say that I share the Deputy's concern that any member of An Garda Síochána would, having received training in the Code of Ethics, refuse to or fail to sign it. The development of the Code by the Policing Authority was one of its landmark achievements in its first year and I know the work that went in to bringing it to fruition. It is an exceptionally user-friendly document and one that is grounded in practicality and common sense. It is an accessible guide to members of the Garda Síochána on ethical behaviour and provides the public with a yardstick against which to measure those behaviours. It is therefore all the more important that members not only live the Code but underscore their commitment to its tenets by signing it and I would strongly encourage all concerned to do so.
The Policing Authority oversees the implementation of the Code and I know that the Authority considers that the establishment of the Code has been a very important development in relation to the governance of the Garda Síochána. The Authority attaches particular significance to steps being taken by the Garda Síochána to embed the Code. The Policing Plan for 2018, approved by the Policing Authority with my consent, sets out the Code of Ethics commitments and contains specific initiatives and performance measures in this regard, including initiatives in relation to the delivery of training. The Policing Authority has a dedicated Code of Ethics Committee which meets regularly with An Garda Síochána to assess steps being taken and Policing Authority members and staff have attended many of the training sessions to assess first-hand the work being done.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Steering Committee in charge of the delivery of Workshops on the Code of Ethics to the organisation recognises that it is vital that each member of An Garda Síochána signs the Declaration on the Code of Ethics to demonstrate their commitment to the nine standards and commitments. A process is underway at present to understand exactly why members have not signed the Declaration and following this process, the Committee will undertake further critical interventions to ensure sign up by every member of An Garda Síochána by the end of September 2018. Furthermore, at the most recent Public meeting of the Policing Authority, the Acting Commissioner called on all members to sign the Declaration on the Code of Ethics and reiterated his commitment and that of senior leadership to embedding the Code.
I join with him in this call and will be monitoring developments in the coming months.
