Catherine Murphy
Question:492. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if he and or his officials have been consulted by Garda management in respect of a new policing plan post-the 2022-2024 plan. [25677/23]
View answerTuesday, 30 May 2023
Questions (492)
Written answers
The Garda Strategy Statement is submitted to the Policing Authority under section 21 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), and the Authority approves the Statement with my consent as Minister.
The Deputy will be aware that the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill will reform the current Garda oversight and governance structures. The Bill provides for the establishment of a new non-executive Garda Board, which is in keeping with best practice governance structures across other State agencies and public sector bodies.
Through the expertise and external perspective of its members, the Board will provide practical support along with robust, constructive challenge to the senior leadership team in An Garda Síochána, with the Garda Commissioner being accountable to the Board for the performance of his or her functions. The Board, as is the case with such boards generally, will not have any role in relation to operational matters, with the Garda Commissioner’s operational independence made explicit in the Bill.
Under Section 63 of the Bill, the Strategic Plan for An Garda Síochána will be prepared by the Commissioner. Once adopted by the Board, the Plan is to be submitted to the Minister for approval. It is expected that this statutory framework will apply to the next Strategic Plan for An Garda Síochána.