Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 December 2017
136. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has formally requested an interim report from the Commission on the Future of Policing; if so, when this request took place; if he has received such a report; if so, if he will publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53402/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland which began its work in May, is undertaking a comprehensive examination of all aspects of policing including all functions currently carried out by An Garda Síochána including community safety, security and immigration.
The themes it is to address are:
- the structures and management arrangements
- the appropriate composition, recruitment and training of personnel,
- the culture and ethos of policing, and
- 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, the Department and Government.
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.
The Commission is, of course, an independent body and it is important that it be free to carry out its work in whatever manner it sees fit. For that reason I have not requested an interim report from the Commission but it is of course open to the Commission to submit such a report, if it decides to do so.
