Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I certainly agree that there is a body of work to be undertaken. The Deputy referred to the plan that was submitted by An Garda Síochána to the authority in July. This has been the subject of discussion with the authority, my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that a further iteration of that plan is currently being drafted. It will expand on issues such as workforce assessment, workforce supply and demand, the model for redeploying sworn officers to operational policing roles and the identification of new civilian posts. In recent months, An Garda Síochána has been in a position to enhance its capacity in this area through recruiting civilian expertise. This additional capacity is contributing towards the delivery of an updated workforce plan.

The Commissioner has acknowledged that the human resources function within An Garda Síochána is outmoded and unsuitable for an expanding 21st century workforce. It is important that the Policing Authority and An Garda Síochána work closely together on the issues in conjunction with my Department while also recognising the role of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

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