Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is a commitment in the programme for Government to increase civilianisation in An Garda Síochána so that more gardaí can be freed up for front-line policing services. This is to include delegated court attendances and release from desk work. The aim was to free up 1,500 gardaí from desk and other duties by 2021, but we learned from the Policing Authority report that only 14 have been successfully transferred. That is not exactly good progress. The report suggests that it will be 2031 or 2041 before the target will actually be achieved. The chairperson, Ms Josephine Fehily, has been very disappointed with the lack of progress on this specific issue. What does the Government intend to do to implement its commitment in the programme for Government on civilianisation within the force?

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