Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2017
127. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to remove the primary responsibility for security from the remit of the office of the Garda Commissioner and An Garda Síochána; the engagements there have been with senior Garda officers on such a proposal and by whom; the alternative structure envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49480/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, earlier this year the Government established the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland to undertake an independent, comprehensive examination of all aspects of policing in the State. By definition this includes all functions currently carried out by An Garda Síochána - community safety, security and immigration. The Commission is also to examine the full range of bodies that have a role in providing oversight and accountability for their activities; the Policing Authority, the Garda Inspectorate, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, my Department and the Government. The terms of reference require the Commission to bring forward proposals addressing five themes:
- structures and management arrangements required for the most effective delivery of policing (including all functions currently carried out by An Garda Síochána),
- appropriate composition, recruitment and training of personnel,
- culture and ethos of policing,
- appropriate structures for oversight and accountability, and
- legislative framework for policing.
In relation to the theme of structures I would draw the Deputy's attention to the specific term of reference which requires the Commission to bring forward proposals in relation to the most appropriate structures for delivering all aspects of policing, whether a unitary structure or otherwise.
The terms of reference also call on the Commission to have regard to:
- existing and emerging issues identified as key challenges for Ireland’s model of policing,
- best practices in the policing models of other countries focused towards greater effectiveness and efficiency, and fostering public confidence in policing,
- previous reports concerning policing in Ireland,
- any specific challenges to delivering consistent structural and cultural reform in policing.
The terms of reference require the Commission to consult widely in the course of its work, including with the public and civic society and any other bodies or individuals it considers appropriate. In line with this requirement, the Commission has launched a consultation process via its website and is encouraging individuals and organisations to share their views on all issues relevant to the Commission’s terms of reference as an important input to the Commission’s report.
The Commission is to report by September 2018 and it may, in accordance with its terms of reference, bring forward immediate proposals and rolling recommendations for implementation that it considers are required to be addressed in the short-term and in advance of its final report.
I met with the Chair of the Commission, Ms Kathleen O'Toole, very recently and she has updated me on their work to date. The Commission has met with a wide range of key stakeholders including An Garda Síochána, the Garda Inspectorate, the Policing Authority and my Department. It has also engaged with policing and security practitioners in other jurisdictions to gain insights into other policing models and oversight arrangements. Members of the Commission also met political representatives in the Houses recently to hear their views. I understand that the Commission will continue to engage with bodies key to the future of policing in Ireland over the coming months. To date the Commission has made no recommendations with regard to how An Garda Síochána should be structured into the future.
It is important that the Commission be afforded the time to complete the important and challenging task that has been set for it. I look forward to receiving the Commission's final report by next September and any interim reports that it may make in the meantime.
