David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies for their valuable contributions and comments on the work of CEPOL and the need to have continued representation by An Garda Síochána at CEPOL. CEPOL provides a cost-effective means of upskilling members of An Garda Síochána and customs officials in critical policing areas in times of restricted budgets. It provides a diversity of training courses in areas where An Garda Síochána may not have a national skill base. It also provides an international context for understanding and learning new crime trends in this increasingly transnational crime environment. As I mentioned before, there is no cost to the Exchequer here; CEPOL provides accommodation, flights and meals under the terms of the framework partnership grant system. This allows members of An Garda Síochána to attend training in other European countries without incurring costs. In 2015, CEPOL courses were attended by members of An Garda Síochána and customs officials on such varied issues as cybercrime, urban violence and trafficking in human beings. These courses are reflective of the diverse range of policing topics facilitated by CEPOL, which are not part of the normal training provided in police colleges.

Deputy O'Callaghan mentioned three very important areas of finance, crime against children and historic complaints. He also made some very interesting points about the professional development of An Garda Síochána, recruitment into An Garda Síochána from other jurisdictions, graduate recruitment and so on. An Garda Síochána is undergoing a programme of change and modernisation. The establishment of the policing authority will play a key role in future Garda recruitment. Changes will include greater levels of civilian recruitment and specialist staff. There is a modernisation programme under way there. There is also the need for continuous professional development as Deputy O'Callaghan identified.

Deputy Howlin spoke about the referendum in the UK. This is at a very early stage and it has not yet been determined what changes will be needed to the various protocols and agreements during the exit negotiations after Article 50 has been triggered. We are monitoring the situation very closely. Deputy Howlin was also correct when he said that in the normal course of business, motions of this type would be discussed at committee but the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality has not been established fully yet. It was important to move on with this motion and get it approved as I hope Deputies will do today before the recess, as this regulation came into effect on 1 July 2016. That was a reason for it.

Deputy Cullinane was concerned about human rights. CEPOL regulations confirm all the criteria he mentions. It is not a harmonising instrument and there is no transfer of sovereignty of any sort. Ireland participates as we wish. An Garda Síochána will be represented on the management board and officers will attend courses of interest. To date, more than 50 officials attend training courses each year. The regulation strengthens the governance of CEPOL in relation to the management of its resources and funding. CEPOL is now subject to tighter controls. I want to allay the Deputy's concerns in that regard.

On costs, it might be worth mentioning the Garda College approach to CEPOL. Each year, member states are invited to apply for a grant agreement to facilitate the hosting of various policing training courses. The Garda College is actively engaged in the commitment to European police training and hosted a number of training programmes each year. These have included training programmes on language development, human rights, community policing, confiscation of assets and counterfeit medicines. Staff contribution through the planning and organisation of courses means that the college does not contribute payment directly towards the costs of hosting the programmes. Two programmes will be hosted in the Garda College in 2016. The awarded grant agreements of approximately €65,000 per course provides the payments to local restaurants, transport companies as well as language experts fees to DCU and funding to the Garda College for accommodation and meals.

Deputy Barry, Deputy Daly and others mentioned and had concerns, which I acknowledge, about undercover policing and Frontex and so on. However, I want to make clear that CEPOL is simply a training academy. That is what it does; it is just a training academy. All its courses respect the principles set out in the European charter on human rights. Deputy Daly was also concerned about terrorism. It is vital that police forces across Europe learn from each other and learn the best methods of dealing with any emerging threat. I hope Deputies can support the motion.

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