Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:5 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice whether he will establish a commission to investigate the management structures and methods of the Garda Síochána as requested by the Garda Representative Bodies.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Establishment of Garda Síochána Commission.
As I indicated in my address to the annual conferences of the two Garda associations who have raised this matter, I am not persuaded that the establishment of a commission on the management structures and methods of the Garda Síochána is required. I hold the view that the role of the Garda Síochána is the same today as it has always been — to be the Guardians of the Peace, to uphold the law to protect people and property against the assaults of those who would injure them. I accept, of course, that times change and that the environment in which the Garda operate is constantly evolving. However, I have confidence in the skills and experience possessed by management at all levels of the force and in their competence to adopt new approaches and put into practice any new operational response which may be required to meet changing needs and circumstances.
I have made it clear to the associations that if they see a need for any fundamental change — or indeed any change — in any area of the Force's organisation or activities they should bring it to the notice of their own management — right up to the commissioner if necesary and finally to me, if they consider an approach to me necessary and appropriate. Any suggestions or proposal they may have will be fully considered.
Does the Minister not accept that, if the primary role of the Garda Síochána is to be Guardians of the Peace, it would suggest they do not have a role in being management experts, financial experts or industrial relations experts, that they are police men, and from that viewpoint he has proved the case from his own mouth for the type of commission I am talking about? Does the Minister not accept that, when one is talking about a force of over 10,000 people, it makes sense to have a commission to investigate their management structures to see how they can be made more effective? Would he not accept that he is the one who is out of step with this proposal as the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors and the Garda Representative Association have been promoting this for some time and, indeed, his own ministerial colleague, Deputy Michael Woods, when Opposition spokesman on Justice proposed this very step in 1986 when he was chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Crime, Lawlessness and Vandalism? Does the Minister not acept that he is being silly ignoring this advice and these various demands?
I must remind the House that the questions we are dealing with now are nominated for priority, to which a very rigid time limit of 15 minutes only applies. If I am to dispose of the five questions before us, I will need the co-operation of all the Members concerned.
The central point of the Deputy's question relates to management matters. I am sure he is aware that there is already in existence a Garda advisory group under the chairmanship of Mr. Paddy Moriarty, Chief Executive of the ESB. This group is available as a source of advice to me on non-operational Garda management matters. It has a very wide brief. The Garda Representative Association had the opportunity of presenting their views to the group, which is flexible and can take on board any of the management questions the Deputy raised. However, in relation to operational matters, the operational responsibilities remain the same — as I said in my initial response to be guardians of the peace, to uphold the law and protect people and property against the assaults of those who injure them. Times change and I am ready to listen and to take on board any suggestions but I am not convinced, nor is Garda management, that now is the time for the type of inquiry the Deputy is suggesting.