Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 April 2019
103. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 119 of 23 January 2019, if he has received the breakdown of these cases by Garda division, as requested in that question; when he will make them available; the disciplinary action that the Garda Commissioner is taking on foot of the audit; and if he will publish the report of this audit without further delay. [16941/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Garda authorities that the report in relation to the Youth Referral Examination was forwarded to the Garda Commissioner on 5th March 2019. In addition, external consultants Crowe Ireland have submitted their final validation and verification report and a copy of this was appended to the Youth Referral Examination Report.
As the Deputy is aware, the Commissioner has given detailed information in relation to this matter when it was examined publicly by the Policing Authority and by the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to her Question No. 91 on 27 February 2019, in which I confirmed 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 also appreciate that there may be confidentiality concerns in relation to aspects of the report.
The Garda Authorities have also advised that any decision relating to the commencement of disciplinary proceedings is a matter for the relevant Local Divisional Officer. I am informed that all relevant matters have been referred to the respective Divisional Officers to consider, in accordance with the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007.
In addition, the Policing Authority will continue to follow up with an on-going examination of these specific youth justice-related matters to monitor 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.
