Paul Donnelly
Ceist:72. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice her views on the concerns of rank-and-file gardaí over proposed new rosters. [51650/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 20 October 2022
Ceisteanna (72)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes the deployment and rostering of staff. As Minister, I have no role in the management of these functions.
The Commission on the Future of Policing concluded that Garda rostering arrangements should be replaced by tailored rosters that work better for both police and the communities they serve. The Deputy may also be aware that the current Garda roster was introduced by the Commissioner to deal with the specific policing requirements that arose during the Covid pandemic. It was always intended by the Commissioner to be a temporary roster, to be replaced in due course by a revised roster.
I am informed by the Commissioner that a facilitated process under an independent chair has been ongoing for some time between Garda management and the Garda Associations to develop a revised roster for Garda members.
On 15 August, the facilitator published his recommendations as providing a basis to move forward on roster reform. All parties were given 8 weeks to consider the proposals. The Commissioner met the Garda Associations on 13 October in relation to the recommendations from the independent facilitator on a revised Garda roster.
I understand that following this meeting, the Commissioner will now consult with senior management colleagues to consider the next steps in the process.
The Commissioner also confirmed at that meeting that the current Roster will remain in place until the 27 November.
Questions Nos. 75 to 80, inclusive, answered orally.
Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 41.
Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 47.