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

I have had a number conversations with the Commissioner and senior officers on this issue. Those issues jumped to the fore when we were discussing the O'Higgins report. I believe the Garda Commissioner and the senior force are committed to the necessary changes and this is shown in the five-year modernisation and renewal programme published by the Garda Commissioner. This change does not, however, happen overnight, although I agree that it needs to be driven from the top. People at senior level need to be motivated to bring about the change that is necessary. I believe there is a commitment to do it and I have supported the Garda Commissioner in taking every step possible to make sure that the necessary management change is brought about. Investing in IT is part of that as it will enable the work of gardaí to be managed better. We have made a very significant investment in that area but it is about a combined approach.

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