Vol. 541 No. 2
952 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a copy of the review of Garda management and reorganisation; if so, the recommendations contained in the report; the plans he has to abolish Garda divisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22380/01]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the review of Garda structures currently under way as part of the strategic management initiative in the Garda Síochána. Since 1998 substantial progress has been made in developing and implementing the wide ranging recommendations contained in the 1997 Garda SMI report. One major project under Garda SMI is the review of Garda structures and operating systems. This consultant assisted review commenced in December 2000 and will be completed by the end of 2001. I understand that the final report will include recommendations on the appropriate structure and functions of HQ, regions, districts and divisions, the roles and responsibilities of ranks, the application of structures criteria to infrastructure, and service delivery and change management issues. The recommendations brought forward in the final report will be considered in the first instance by the Garda SMI steering group and ultimately by Government.
