Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Commissioner's modernisation and renewal programme 2016 to 2021 is designed to address the hundreds of recommendations in various reports into An Garda Síochána, including the most recent report from the Garda Inspectorate, "Changing Policing in Ireland". That is a five-year programme with 73 recommendations in it. The current district model of policing will be replaced on a phased basis with a divisional one, where responsibilities are allocated on a functional rather than a geographical basis subject to modifications to meet the needs of large rural divisions and ensure that the close relationship with communities is maintained, which is so important. In line with international experience, a mid-term goal of 20% of civilians for the overall Garda workforce is to be achieved through a civilian-by-default policy to be adopted in relation to the filling of all new posts, other than operational policing posts, and non-operational policing posts that become vacant, a redeployment of gardaí and backfilling by suitably qualified civilians where necessary. Mr. Olson, who is in charge of the inspectorate, has been very clear on these things. Ongoing work to increase the Garda workforce to 21,000 personnel by 2021, comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Garda Reserve members and 4,000 civilians, is all under way.

I take the Deputy's point about publishing the progress that there has been, and that is very important. I will see that the Tánaiste responds to that comprehensively.

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