Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I addressed the crime statistics question. I have a keen interest in them myself because I want the public to have as much confidence as possible in the statistics that are published. I said that when the first Garda Inspectorate report on crime statistics was delivered, I initiated contact with the CSO, which is an independent body and which had an interest in doing this anyway, and I asked its officials to put a process in place to make sure the figures that were published were as robust as possible because it is essential that we have accurate and reliable data on crime. We want to ensure the policing services provided by An Garda Síochána are responsive to emerging crime trends and we want to keep the public fully informed. It was only in June 2015 that the CSO published its first crime data quality report. The most recent report highlights progress in addressing a range of issues since then, many of which were originally examined in 2014. It also says there is need for ongoing improvements. I accept that, as do the Garda and the CSO.

The issue of the reliability of crime data is a big issue in many jurisdictions and not just this country. This is an international issue and the key point is we are taking steps to address it, which is important. I welcome the fact that the CSO concluded that the estimated impact on the issues identified in respect of recorded crime is substantially less than was the case in the first review, but Deputy Wallace is correct that we need to keep a strong focus on this. It is a work in progress and there have been improvements to the PULSE system, including the recording of investigations. The clear directions internally are to clearly record crimes that are reported. Crimes are being investigated. Recording is a separate issue but we have to have both. It will take time for the full effect of upgrading Garda systems to be reflected in the crime statistics.

I remain committed to this work and that is reflected in the allocation of €205 million to this area in the 2016 to 2021 capital plan. There is ongoing discussion, both at national and international level, about improving recording and the interoperability of various recording systems. While this work goes on, CSO officials are satisfied that they are in a position to continue to publish crime statistics and the need for improvement in this area should not distract from the comparative assessment of the statistics, which shows a real and consistent improvement under a number of headings. I want the figures to be as accurate as possible and a process is under way. The CSO, which is a reliable, objective, independent body, is monitoring this on an ongoing basis and in the publication of crime statistics over the coming years, I expect to see a closer connection between what the CSO demands in terms of the highest standards and the way the figures are published. It is a work in progress but there has been an improvement.

I will not go into the detail about An Garda Síochána but we have a five year reform and high level workforce plan and that will be important as a vehicle for reform. Significant work has been done throughout the organisation through a modernisation and renewal programme. The Policing Authority has an important role in monitoring that. We set up the authority in order that it would discuss the programme of reform with the Garda authorities in respect of priority areas and the strategic plan for each year. Almost 1,000 recommendations were made in the Garda Inspectorate reports and work is under way to implement them.

I will try to be as helpful I can to the committee in response to reports that have appeared publicly about recent protected disclosures relating to the treatment of whistleblowers. The committee should recognise I have real difficulties commenting on the matter. Others may be free to comment. I want to ensure we have a just and fair approach to this issue. What I have is a body of allegations that have come through protected disclosures. I am bound by the provisions of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. I have to take every step to ensure the confidentiality of the whistleblowers. Whatever is out there in the public arena is out there but I have a duty as Minister. The Act is clear about my legal obligations and about the legal obligations on the person to whom a protected disclosure is made. Earlier this week, I received correspondence from members of An Garda Síochána under the Act. I cannot for obvious reasons go into the detail but I assure the committee that I am carefully assessing and considering the appropriate response to those disclosures and how they can best be dealt with and I will consider in great detail how to respond to them and what is the best possible way to take this further to make sure a process is in place to analyse the detail of that body of allegations. However, I will certainly do it in a way that protects the whistleblowers and that is fair and is seen to deliver justice to all.

Deputy O'Callaghan asked a number of questions about recruitment. Subject to the outcome of the Estimates process, I expect that a further 800 trainees will be recruited in 2017 in order that we can arrive at the point where there will be 15,000 members in the Garda over the next few years. There will be approximately 1,200 trainees in place at the end of 2016. The recent competition for recruits to An Garda Síochána closed last Friday. There was a report that 1,600 members of the public had applied but the correct figures is more than 5,000. A review of the Garda Reserve is being undertaken. A superintendent has been given responsibility for the development of the reserve force and the review is nearing conclusion. I expect that recruitment to the reserve will begin mid-year. The goal is to double its numbers. The recruitment of more civilians is central to the reform programme and we have included it as a commitment in the programme for Government. It is again subject to the Estimates process but I hope several hundred civilians can be recruited next year to make sure jobs that can more effectively be done by civilians are done by them. In some instances, this will release gardaí for front-line duties; in other instances, this will support the Garda's work.

In other instances, it will support the work of An Garda Síochána.