Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018
179. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason persons working for police forces in other jurisdictions are not considered or permitted for direct entry as members of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18563/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile there are currently no mechanisms for the transfer of persons with policing experience and qualifications gained in another jurisdiction to An Garda Síochána, there are a number of routes under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 by which individuals with such experience may join the organisation.
Competitions for the positions of Garda Commissioner and Deputy Garda Commissioner are not restricted to serving members and, as the Deputy will be aware, the most recent competitions for these posts, including the competition underway for the selection of the next Garda Commissioner, were open to all individuals with relevant experience and qualifications.
Competitions for appointment to the ranks of Assistant Garda Commissioner, chief superintendent and superintendent are open to members of the PSNI once they meet the eligibility criteria set out in the relevant Regulations under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The Policing Authority assumed responsibility for undertaking these competitions on 1 January 2017 and, coinciding with that date, the eligibility criteria were extended to include any member of the PSNI not below the rank of inspector who has served not less than 2 years in that rank. Previously, they were confined to those in the rank immediately below. The 2005 Act also provides for the secondment from the PSNI to certain ranks in An Garda Síochána for a period not exceeding 3 years.
Also of relevance is the statutory provision for former members of An Garda Síochána to be re-appointed to the organisation. The most recent applications in this respect concern a number of former members who departed to serve in police services in Australia and have gained valuable skills and experience from that service and wish to re-join An Garda Síochána.
Individuals with appropriate policing experience and qualifications gained in other jurisdictions may also be suitable for appointment to various civilian roles available within the Garda organisation. Having regard to the Government's aim of 20% of the Garda workforce comprising civilians by 2021 it can be expected that these opportunities will increase.
I am very keen to explore how further opportunities can be created to open up entry routes at all levels and in line with the recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate report ‘Changing Policing in Ireland’. In this regard my predecessor requested the Inspectorate in October 2016 to examine options for opening up entry routes into An Garda Síochána at all levels and report back with recommendations. Those options could include, for example, fast track entry for policing professionals from other jurisdictions at the lower ranks and the targeted intake of experienced skilled police officers at the senior ranks. The report will also include an examination of practice in other jurisdictions. I have been advised by the Garda Inspectorate that the report is in the final review stages and will be provided to me shortly.
