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

The report of the Garda Inspectorate on crime investigation gave us an analysis of An Garda Síochána's investigative processes and it is an extremely good report. If the recommendations in the report are followed, it is intended that the methods and investigative processes used by An Garda Síochána would align with best international practice. Our goal should be to have a policing service, An Garda Síochána, that meets and exceeds the best international standards. There is no reason not to have such a policing service.

After the report was published, An Garda Síochána established a strategic transformation office at Garda Headquarters to co-ordinate and facilitate the implementation of the reforms that arose from that inspectorate report. The recommendations in the report are an important component of the overall justice reform programme that has been put in place in recent years. The reform programme is being overseen by the Cabinet committee on justice reform, which is chaired by An Taoiseach. We invite the chair of the independent Policing Authority to the committee from time to time, as well as the Commissioner and her senior staff, to oversee the delivery of the reforms recommended by the inspectorate.

As I stated already, the implementation of those reforms is clearly supported by the significant investments we have made in policing resources under the framework of the capital plan, including €205 million for technology, as well as a series of investments in An Garda Síochána. We have three new headquarters and a new headquarters in Sligo. There is a significant programme of investment supporting the Garda to continue to reach the highest standards. Deputy Durkan said that this is necessary and I agree with him.

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