Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will try to respond to a number of the questions. On the retirement age, as with many issues, this issue is highlighted in the commission's report. It provides that An Garda Síochána should reflect the diversity of Irish society and should, therefore, develop recruitment strategies to try to achieve a more diverse intake. These recommendations echo those of the Garda Inspectorate following its examination of entry routes into An Garda Síochána, part of which deals with a possible change in the retirement age from 50 to 62. This matter is being examined but the appropriate age for recruitment question will be considered as part of the wider review taking place in regard to entry into An Garda Síochána. Work is currently under way on drafting terms of reference around this specific issue.

On the roster system, this is essentially a matter for the Garda Commissioner. The roster reform and changes that have been put in place have been well received. I understand that a review is under way, with engagement between Garda management and the Garda associations on possible revised proposals but again this is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

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I understand, however, that it is being examined.

On overall Garda numbers and the placement of recruits who were put on the front line earlier than is the norm, many of those in the two classes will return to training in the coming weeks. In general, we need to focus on ensuring we continue to recruit and train members and that there is equality in the provision of service by An Garda Síochána in every county. As Minister working with An Garda Síochána, I will very much strive to achieve that.

On the issue of the courts and the importance of working with them, funding them and ensuring they work to the best of their ability, Covid has placed significant pressure on our courts system. The Chief Justice, the President of the Court of Appeal, the President of the High Court, the President of the Circuit Court and the President of the District Court have during this crisis established special measures for the conduct of business. As well as that, to support this the Courts Service has introduced a broad range of measures to scale back significantly the number of cases coming before the courts while also trying to preserve essential access to the administration of justice. To this end, my Department has established a cross-functional Covid-19 response team, comprising senior officials from within the Department and from the key agencies, including the Courts Service. A great deal of work is under way to try to ensure that the changes that have taken place, in particular the use of video conferencing, which we have all had to adapt our work practices to suit, can carry on and that we create efficiencies where we might previously have been slow to do so. Much work is being done to try to ensure we learn from the changes that have taken place so that we benefit from them.

On the question about the Garda Reserve, I am not sure of an exact timescale for the review that is taking place. The Garda authorities have informed me that, as the Deputy noted, the Commissioner commenced the review in 2019. I am also informed that the class commenced training in March 2019 but, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the completion of training, the certification and the attestation are taking longer than is usual. I understand that, unfortunately, the commencement of further recruitment to the Garda Reserve, which was closed in November 2019, will very much depend on factors such as the capacity to provide training. Many matters have been impacted by Covid but we hope they will be back up and running sooner rather than later because the Garda Reserve plays a vital role and provides a critical level of support for An Garda Síochána.

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