Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
517. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice if each of the recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate Report in 2019 on public order training have been fully implemented; and if not, the recommendations that have yet to be implemented. [16398/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the training of Garda members. As Minister I have no role in this matter.
The Garda Inspectorate Report on Public Order Policing, published in April 2019, contains four recommendations that reference training.
I have been advised by An Garda Síochána that three of these recommendation have been fully implemented:• Recommendation 6 - Selection and TrainingThe Inspectorate recommends that An Garda Síochána develop a standardised, transparent selection process for the National Public Order Unit. This process should be overseen by the Human Resource and People Development Department to ensure consistency, fairness and equality of opportunity. Selection should be contingent on the member having up-to-date refresher training in use of force and having signed the Code of Ethics. Unsuccessful candidates should receive appropriate feedback.
A new selection process for Garda National Public Order Unit personnel has been introduced in An Garda Síochána. Oversight is provided by the Chair of the Garda National Public Order Steering Group.• Recommendation 7 – Selection and Training
The Inspectorate recommends the adoption of a specific strategy into the greater female representation in public order policing.
In April 2021, a new Garda National Public Order Unit selection model was rolled out across An Garda Síochána in consultation with the Garda College and in line with international best practice to promote greater female representation in public order policing. Oversight is provided by the Chair of the Garda National Public Order Steering Group.• Recommendation 15 – Decision Making
The Inspectorate recommends that An Garda Síochána embed the Garda Decision-Making Model into operational practice though the provision of scenario- based exercises in all use of force and public order training.
New scenario-based exercises were developed and incorporated into new training material in 2020. Public Order training materials and policies have been updated with Garda Decision-Making Model.There is one recommendation that is not yet fully implemented:
• Recommendation 17 – Organisational Learning
The Inspectorate recommends that An Garda Síochána formalise its debriefing process by involving external stakeholders including organisers, protesters and wider representation from internal organisational units. Lessons learned should be reviewed by the Public Order Steering Group and should influence subsequent selection, training and development of tactics and strategy.
Guidance on Briefing and De-Briefing and the new Garda Decision Making Model has been strengthened in the new Event and Public Order and Public Safety Policy and Procedure documents, which are currently being piloted.
