Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
264. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the reason a superintendent who was to take up a position at a County Limerick Garda station was appointed last week to head up the national vetting bureau, Thurles, County Tipperary (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17432/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the Government approved the Five Year Reform and High-level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána in July 2016. The plan encompasses the agreed recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate Report "Changing Policing in Ireland" and the Programme for a Partnership Government commitment to expand the Garda work force.
In relation to civilian staff, the Plan sets a medium term target of 20% civilians of the overall Garda workforce by 2021. This translates to a doubling the number of civilian staff from 2,000 to 4,000 over the period and will bring An Garda Síochána more in line with international norms. This target will be achieved through a twin-track approach of firstly, a “civilian by default” policy to be adopted in relation to the filling of all new posts other than operational policing posts and for non-operational policing posts that become vacant and, secondly, the redeployment of Gardaí to policing roles.
While Government determines overall policy and provides the necessary resources, it is the Garda Commissioner who has responsibility to carry on and manage and control generally the administration and business of the Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment, training and appointment of its members and civilian staff. As the Deputy will be aware it is also the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am assured by the Commissioner that all posts are filled having regard to the Five Year Reform and High-level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána and the requirement to allocate both Garda and civilian resources appropriately.
