Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2022
23. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice if she will outline the new powers that gardaí will have following the implementation of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill; the way the Bill will help An Garda Síochána engage with State agencies to ensure community safety in local communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60497/22]
View answerThe Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill referred to by the Deputy was approved for publication by Government on 22 November last. It marks a new departure for policing in Ireland giving effect to the recommendations made by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI). The Bill aims to improve the performance of our policing and security services to deliver on our commitment that every community has a right to be and feel safe.
To achieve this it provides for a comprehensive framework for the governance and independent oversight of policing, a new approach to improving community safety, and new arrangements to strengthen independent review of security legislation and the delivery of security services.
While the Bill does not provide new powers to An Garda Síochána, the new governance arrangements will see the Garda Commissioner empowered to lead the organisation and drive reform supported and held to account by a non-executive board. This will result in a better run organisation with sound management processes, clear ownership of delivery of reform and better management of resources. Combined with stronger independent external oversight, this will improve longer term delivery of policing and deliver substantive benefits for all.
In relation to the new approach to community safety the Bill makes the prevention of harm, in particular to individuals who are vulnerable or at risk, a specific objective of An Garda Síochána recognising the vital work Gardaí do on the ground every day. It also embeds a whole of Government approach to promoting safer communities recognising that community safety is not something that can be achieved by An Garda Síochána and my Department alone but requires state agencies and local community representatives to work together to identify and prioritise community concerns and act to address them.
The intention is that the Bill would become law next year and be fully commenced in January 2024.
