Seán Crowe
Question:332. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she considers An Garda Síochána as falling under the aegis of his Department in respect of Government policy. [13615/20]
View answerTuesday, 30 June 2020
Questions (332)
Written answers
I can confirm that I, as Minister for Justice, am responsible for policy in relation to the policing and security of the State. Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána and I have no function in relation to the management decisions he makes, such as how and where he deploys his resources or on operational matters.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Scheme of the Policing and Community Safety Bill is currently being prepared in my Department. The Bill is aimed at delivering on the recommendations made by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland including its recommendation that the Commissioner be given greater autonomy as ‘CEO’ of An Garda Síochána and that his operational independence be made explicit in legislation.