Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The benefit of civilianisation is that it allows the members of An Garda Síochána to be out on the street doing active policing, which is what communities want. There is also an advantage in the sense that one gets a different form of culture coming into the Garda. I do not criticise Garda culture, as that has been done enough this week, but in terms of any organisation, if one can get people in from outside one gets a mix of people within an organisation and that improves it.

The Garda modernisation and renewal programme seems less than overwhelming about the process. It simply says there will be an increase in civilianisation and that it will be conscious of not developing a two-tier service. I do not think people should be fearful of that, as civilians and police officers can work hand in hand and complement each other.

Is the Minister confident that the target of doubling the number of civilians will be achieved by 2021? That is a big ask. Will the Labour Court recommendations affect the process?

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