asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the fact that he has the recommendations of the select committee on Garda recruitment and training (July 1985), and the two reports (December 1985 and April 1986) of the Garda Commissioner's committee on training, he will say what action he proposes to take to modernise and update Garda training; when a revamped training strategy and training programme will be introduced; and if he will make copies of the latter two reports available to the House.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Training.
27.
The two reports in question cover very much the same ground relating to the very wide and important matters of Garda recruitment and basic training and the many recommendations which they contain including a number which have major financial and other implications, have to be examined very closely before conclusions can be arrived at.
Aspects of the reports which deal with the qualifications and the procedures for entry to the Garda Síochána are at present the subject of discussions with the various Garda associations and representative bodies at the Garda Conciliation Council in accordance with the provisions of Garda conciliation and arbitration scheme. It would be inappropriate for me to make any announcement on these matters pending the completion of these discussions.
As I have stated on previous occasions, it is my hope that it will be possible to have at least some of the recommendations implemented in time to benefit the new entrants to the Garda Síochána who will come from the next recruitment competition.
I have not yet come to any decision in regard to publication of the training committee's report.
Does the Minister know there is widespread concern about these reports and that there is a general view that they have been shelved? The first report has been with the Minister since July 1985. The second was requested as a matter of urgency in December 1985 so that early action could be taken on it and the final complete report issued in April 1986. The widespread belief, as has been made clear in press statements issued by the Garda organisations, is that the Minister has no intention of pursuing the recommendations in these reports in the near future. Can the Minister assure the House that these reports have not been shelved, as seems to be the case? With which recommendations will he proceed without delay?
As I pointed out on a number of occasions, the reports have not been shelved. They are the subject of very close examination. As I have already pointed out on previous occasions and again just a few moments ago, I hope some of the recommendations can be implemented in time to benefit new entrants to the Garda force from the next recruitment competition.
Is the Minister aware that at present the Garda training programme in Templemore is being run down, that it is being reduced systematically? The higher personnel management courses run in liaison with NIHE Limerick have been stopped. If the Minister is not shelving this idea, why were these courses stopped? Will the Minister come up with a dynamic new package urgently, because that is what is required? The Garda want to get involved in the newer methods of training. There are three reports lying on the shelves and the third report goes into all the details the Minister would require to implement these procedures.
I am not aware that Garda training is running down, because that is not the case. Nothing that is happening in the area of Garda training should lead the Deputy to the conclusion that reports are being shelved because they are not. I can assure the Deputy that the Garda authorities and I are anxious to ensure that the training available to the force is adapted to the conditions in which they have to operate.