Ms Debra Kirby:

I think we are speaking about two distinct issues. The idea of seconding personnel to the Garda as it is currently constituted has some value in terms of being able to recruit talented and skilled people to fulfil duties without requiring them to spend time at Templemore. When we speak specifically about information technology skills and other skills that are more commonly available in the private sector, we are referring to a workforce modernisation issue. The inspectorate reviewed certain areas and made recommendations in the report was also prepared in anticipation of a forthcoming report arising from the Haddington Road review which will examine how we can modernise the workforce overall. Under previous practice in the Garda Síochána, individuals who were skilled in certain areas, including IT, were recruited directly. This practice offered the benefit of recruiting personnel into an organisation that was entirely sworn. The Garda now has the ability to recruit civilian personnel under a variety of circumstances, including contracts, direct hire and part-time employment.

Those areas are under review and, considering the police services internationally, we can take them forward here to provide better services overall. The report took in hiring practices for sworn members and is also starting to signpost upcoming review recommendations around other areas, particularly as it goes to specialist skills. We want our gardaí serving in the community fighting crime. Do we need gardaí to provide back-office or mid-office support, or do we need people who have specialised skills? Those issues will be forthcoming.