Vol. 486 No. 6
301 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the contents of a report in relation to the Garda Síochána; the discussions, if any, he has had with the Garda authorities arising from this report; if the report proposes any major changes in the operation of the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3370/98]
In November 1997 the Government published the strategic management initiative report of the steering group on the efficiency and effectiveness of the Garda Síochána. The Garda Commissioner was a member of the steering group.
The report includes recommendations for change covering many aspects of policing, and the relationship between the Garda Síochána and the many State agencies comprising the criminal justice system. I very much welcome this report.
In order to implement the complex and challenging programme of change envisaged, the Government has established an implementation steering group, as recommended in the report, to develop and implement the overall programme of change. The Garda Commissioner is a member of this steering group. A full-time implementation team made up of senior representatives of the Garda Síochána and of my Department has also been established to work with the implementation steering group. I am confident that the establishment of these structures will ensure the success of the change process envisaged, leading to a more efficient and effective Garda Síochána, an improved criminal justice system and greater security for citizens.
