Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 February 2019
91. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 119 of 23 January 2019, when the final report of the audit which found that in almost 8,000 cases there was a failure to take action by gardaí will be published; when the detailed figures requested will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9988/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Policing Authority, which was established to provide independent oversight of policing, continues to keep this matter under examination.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that an external validation process is on-going in relation to the Garda review of youth crime 2010-2017. Therefore the Deputy will appreciate that finalised figures are not available. I might add that the publication of information in relation to the more detailed aspects of the Garda Review will be a matter for the Commissioner and the Policing Authority and not for my Department. The Deputy will appreciate that there may be confidentiality concerns in relation to aspects of the Report.
A number of fundamental issues have been identified by the Garda examination, including inadequate ICT and supervision, a lack of training, and alleged failings by individual Gardaí. As the Deputy is aware, the Implementation Plan to give effect to the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland provides a framework to systematically address the failings identified in relation to youth crime. The Government is committed to the implementation of the Commission’s report and a programme office has been established in the Department of An Taoiseach to oversee and report on progress.
In addition, the Policing Authority will continue to follow up with an on-going examination of these specific youth justice-related matters to ensure the effectiveness of the remedial actions which the Commissioner has set in train. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will keep in very close touch with the Commissioner, and the Policing Authority, to monitor progress.
