asked the Minister for Justice if he is considering greater participation by the gardaí or their representative bodies in the future development of the Garda force.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Force Development
73.
Mr. R. Burke
I do not know what precisely the Deputy has in mind. The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general direction and control of the force, who have their own research and development unit staffed entirely by Garda personnel. The representative bodies participate in discussions of the Garda Conciliation Council, through which pay and other conditions of the force are determined. They also participate in discussions of the Garda Consultative Council, which deals with other matters affecting the force. The Garda ranks have also, through participation in working parties and by other means, been involved with the Commissioner and my Department in decision-making.
I am entirely in favour of participation by the various ranks, through their representative bodies and otherwise, in any development affecting their welfare and efficiency and I shall continue to encourage such participation in every way possible.