Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has raised four issues: civilianisation, needs of victims, Garda stations and his constituency in Dundalk. I am keen to ensure that the civilianisation programme not only continues but gathers momentum and is accelerated. There are more than 2,250 full-time civilians in An Garda Síochána doing administrative and technical duties. It is important that the process continues. Sanction has been obtained for 281 further posts. We are considering first addressing some skill gaps and capacity issues, for example, civilians with expertise in the area of finance and information and communications technology, ICT. The Garda is engaging with the Policing Authority in respect of 116 business cases. I want to see movement on these over the coming weeks. The immediate consequence of this will be redeployment. We have set a target of replacing 1,500 gardaí. I want to see as many gardaí as possible returning to core full-time duties because that is what they are best placed to do and that is what their core training equips them for. The principal focus so far has been on filling critical skill gaps. I would be happy to keep the committee fully informed. It is a priority to ensure that by 2021 there will be a civilian cohort within An Garda Síochána of 4,000. They will work with, or be an integral part of, a Garda force of 21,000, including 15,000 sworn members, 4,000 civilians and 2,000 reservists. It is important to put more emphasis on the Garda Reserve.

I acknowledge the work of this committee in passing the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017. The Commissioner has put in place a victim service office in each of the 28 Garda divisions. These will be the central point for victims of crime in each division. They will be staffed by people who have specific training in prioritising the needs of victims and there will be specially trained civilian personnel. The focus is firmly on the second national strategy on domestic sexual and gender-based violence and the range of actions to be implemented by the State.

There is a Garda station building plan, particulars of which are, I am sure, well known to this committee. This is designed by An Garda Síochána to meet the needs of specific areas. I am sure that the Garda Síochána is considering the Border constituencies, such as County Louth and the Chairman's constituency, in the context of the changed circumstances caused by Brexit and with particular reference to the unacceptable level of cross-Border crime. I would be happy to engage bilaterally with Deputy Fitzpatrick in response to his invitation to visit the area and would be anxious to consider that favourably.