Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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18. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she shares the serious concern expressed by the Policing Authority at systemic performance and management failures within An Garda Síochána and the dismay expressed by the authority at the familiarity of performance failures through various inquiries and reports and the concern that good work being done by gardaí every day can be set to nought while doubts remain about these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17125/16]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Last month this House debated the report of the O'Higgins commission. During the course of that debate, I referred to the fact that the central and most important message from the report was the consistent reference to management and supervision failures within An Garda Síochána. It is instructive to note that since then, the Policing Authority has expressed its views on the O'Higgins report. Does the Minister share the views expressed by myself and by the Policing Authority on the systemic performance and management failures within An Garda Síochána and does she share the dismay expressed by the authority at the familiarity and repetition of these performance failures?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Whatever the problems that need to be addressed we should never fail to show our appreciation for the front-line work of An Garda Síochána. We see their dangerous and courageous work daily and we see it at present in the north inner city. It is extremely important that we express our full support for the work they do but that does not mean they are immune from criticism. Many reports over the years, ranging back to the Morris tribunal, have underlined the need for cultural change within An Garda Síochána. In the comments I have made on the Garda Inspectorate report No. 11 and on the O'Higgins report, I have acknowledged the change that is needed and the faults that have been there traditionally, particularly in the area of culture.

We established the independent Policing Authority and this is one of the most significant developments since the foundation of the State. It is a major reform to have an independent body, such as the Policing Authority, examining how An Garda Síochána functions and asking the Commissioner to report on a whole range of areas. Together with the programme of reform the Garda Commissioner is implementing, this will build up confidence but there is a range of issues that need to be addressed. Management and culture are two important issues but investment is also needed. The Deputy asked earlier about support for An Garda Síochána and through pay and other areas which need investment we can ensure it gets the necessary support.

The Policing Authority is marked by its independence and the calibre of those appointed to serve on the board. Josephine Feehily is at the helm and there is a range of high-standing experienced members. It has begun its work in earnest and we all welcome the focus it has put on victims of crime. The O'Higgins report referred specifically to victims of crime and the need for them to be dealt with more centrally in the criminal justice system.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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It is very important that people express support for An Garda Síochána. It is important that the political system does this and that the public has confidence in An Garda Síochána. It is also important that in order to improve An Garda Síochána and its young recruits, there is proper management and supervision within the force. It is instructive to note that the O'Higgins report and the comments on the report by the Policing Authority are consistent about supervision and management problems at senior levels in An Garda Síochána. There may need to be a change in culture in the force to recognise that when people raise questions, they are entitled to raise them and the issues have to be tackled. The only way that will change is if there is a change in attitude of senior management in An Garda Síochána. Is the Minister satisfied that senior management is truly committed to the change that she and I know is required to achieve the objectives?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I have had a number conversations with the Commissioner and senior officers on this issue. Those issues jumped to the fore when we were discussing the O'Higgins report. I believe the Garda Commissioner and the senior force are committed to the necessary changes and this is shown in the five-year modernisation and renewal programme published by the Garda Commissioner. This change does not, however, happen overnight, although I agree that it needs to be driven from the top. People at senior level need to be motivated to bring about the change that is necessary. I believe there is a commitment to do it and I have supported the Garda Commissioner in taking every step possible to make sure that the necessary management change is brought about. Investing in IT is part of that as it will enable the work of gardaí to be managed better. We have made a very significant investment in that area but it is about a combined approach.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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One of the difficulties for An Garda Síochána is that the political system concentrates on the force and gets interested in its failings in the aftermath of specific reports. As a result of that political concentration, the Garda can move from crisis to crisis. It is important to have an appraisal and a proper assessment of An Garda Síochána away from crises, such as those dealt with by the Morris and O'Higgins reports. We need to change management and supervision to ensure that the victims of crime are not let down as they were in the case of the material dealt with in the O'Higgins report.

The Minister will also be aware that there were a couple of recommendations in the O'Higgins report, one of which was to change the terms and conditions of the sergeant in charge. Will the Minister urge the Commissioner to conduct an immediate review and change of the terms and conditions of sergeants in charge? It is one of the few recommendations in the O'Higgins report on which we can act promptly.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I take the points made by Deputy O'Callaghan and he is absolutely correct in his analysis. There have been very significant changes relating to training and supervision over the past two years. Supervision is now much more carefully built in. This is particularly the case in respect of new recruits but we need to see it throughout the force. It has been difficult for An Garda Síochána with the recruitment being stopped and with the gaps that there are in a variety of areas, including specialist areas. Supervision and management have been difficult because of staff shortages. It is no excuse but we need that situation to develop and with the new recruitment and investment, the force will be in a better position to make sure that happens. There have been significant changes in training, which are also extremely important. Work has already begun on the role of sergeants.