Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2015
21. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will confirm that the criminal justice working group recommended by the Garda Inspectorate in its report The Fixed Charge Processing System - A 21st Century Strategy has now been established; if so, the progress of its work in implementing the Garda Inspectorate's recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1325/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Criminal Justice Fixed Charge Processing System (FCPS) Working Group was established in March 2014 to take forward the Garda Inspectorate's recommendations on the operation of the FCPS. The Group is jointly chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service, Road Safety Authority, Revenue Commissioners, Director of Public Prosecutions, the Department of the Environment Community and Local Government, and the Office of the Attorney General all participate in the work of the Group.
I, along with my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, received the Group's first progress report last July. The report sets out substantial progress with respect to the implementation of the Inspectorate's immediate and short term recommendations directed to An Garda Síochána including the introduction of a new Fixed Charge Processing System Manual which came into effect in June 2014. The report also details the work commenced, mainly via a number of specialised subgroups, to consider and advance the Inspectorate's medium and long term recommendations. A further progress report is expected from the Group within the next few months.
