24 Mar 2015, 13:14
Work of Forensic Science Ireland to be considered
24 March 2015
Nóirín O'Sullivan, Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, will appear before the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality to outline the recently published Annual Policing Plan 2015.
The Annual Policing Plan encompasses the priorities for An Garda Síochána as determined by the Minister for Justice and Equality under Section 20 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The implementation of changes in the force, including the recent reassignment of about half of all Garda Superintendents and Chief Superintendents, will also feature in the discussions.
Committee Chairman David Stanton TD says: “The Committee looks forward to engaging with Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan on the Annual Policing Plan 2015. The Plan sets out an ambitious programme of priorities for An Garda Síochána for the year, including in the areas of combatting organised crime, people trafficking and white collar crime. Commissioner O’Sullivan has acknowledged that 2014 was a challenging year for the force and described the plan as providing the basis for structural, technological and cultural reform within the force. Committee Members will engage with the Commissioner on the Plan’s contents tomorrow, as well as on the rationale of the recent sweeping reassignments of senior officers in the force.”
Separately, the Director General of Forensic Science Ireland Dr Sheila Willis will address the Committee.
Deputy Stanton continues: “Last month, a delegation from the Committee visited the Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) facility in the Phoenix Park and was afforded a fascinating insight into the invaluable work being undertaken there by Dr Willis and her highly skilled team. Ireland’s Forensic Science Laboratory works to assist in the investigation of crime and to serve the administration of justice by providing scientific analysis and objective expert evidence to the highest international standards. Building on the site visit, we look forward to engaging with Dr Willis formally at tomorrow’s meeting.”
At 4:30 pm, the Committee will consider a motion relating to the European Parliament and of the Council repealing certain acts in the field of police cooperation and judicial cooperation.
The meeting takes place tomorrow Wednesday 25 March at 2:30 pm (commencing with engagement with the Garda Commissioner) in Committee Room 2, LH 2000 and can be followed live here.
Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.
Media enquiries to:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie
Committee Membership
Deputies:
Niall Collins (FF)
Alan Farrell (FG)
Anne Ferris (LAB) [Vice-Chairman]
Seán Kenny (LAB)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (SF)
Gabrielle McFadden (FG)
Finian McGrath (IND)
Fergus O’Dowd (FG)
David Stanton (FG) [Chairman]
Senators:
Ivana Bacik (LAB)
Martin Conway (FG)
Tony Mulcahy (FG
Rónán Mullen (IND)
Denis O’Donovan (FF)
Katherine Zappone (IND)