Results 5,141-5,160 of 15,389 for speaker:Helen McEntee

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: As was said, amendments Nos. 47 and 48 are similar and we have considered them together. Amendment No. 47 relates to section 63, which provides for the preparation by the Garda Commissioner of a strategic plan for An Garda Síochána. Amendment No. 48 relates to section 65, which provides for the preparation by the Commissioner of the annual service plan for An Garda...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: This is very similar to what we currently have. This is to allow An Garda Síochána to plan for the future and make sure we have plans in place, and not just for one year given many plans may go beyond that. That is why a period of three years has been chosen, and it was also three years previously. As I mentioned, the previous reason given for not setting a timeline was that...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: The objectives are identified through consultation, as is laid out. That is done at the direction of the Commissioner, and he or she can consult whomever they like. It is done that way so that we do not constrain them. Obviously, if targets are set the Commissioner is not just accountable to the Minister, but also to the board, the authority and to the Oireachtas. All Members here can be...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: The Commissioner decides who he or she consults with and that is to allow him or her to consult with whosoever he or she deems fit. The Commissioner must bring the plan to the board. The board is a new structure with one chair and eight ordinary members. We already discussed the make-up and how that board will be appointed. The plan is a three-year plan so that we allow for various...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: Section 63(8)(a) states that the strategic plan may be amended by the Minister at any time having consulted with the board. If issues arise, it can amended at any time. It does not necessitate a new plan. This is a national plan. The Commissioner represents gardaí throughout the country so it is not just for any one specific area. Again, section 63(5) states that in preparing a...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: The Commissioner represents all of the organisation both rural and urban. As he or she will consult any of those bodies he or she deems fit or look at any of the priorities or principles, this covers not just rural but urban areas. In terms of resourcing and allocation, it is the same in any Department, organisation or agency. It must have the capacity and funding. There is a separate...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: As both Senators will be able to see, because they have copies of the legislation right in front of them, section 64(2) states: The Garda Commissioner shall ensure that, as soon as practicable after a copy of a strategic plan is laid before each House of the Oireachtas, the plan as laid is published on a website maintained by or on behalf of An Garda Síochána or in such other...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: Yes-----

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: -----where it goes but I do not know too many people who would go into the Garda station to read the service plan.

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: I said I do not know too many people who would go into the Garda station to read the service plan, but-----

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: As I have outlined, and as stated clearly in the subsection, reports may be made available in such other manner as the Minister may specify. This could absolutely include libraries, but it is not to be put into primary legislation. There is no need for it to be specific nor should it be specific on the implementation of the strategic plan.

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: The justice committee can look over this at any point. There is a standard way in which memos and documents are laid before the Houses. A debate or approval is not required but a debate could be had at any time.

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: I have answered that, I think, three times now.

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: Regarding oversight of the functions but also performance, the Commissioner is accountable to the board. When it comes to issues further down in An Garda Síochána, they are accountable to the Garda Commissioner, but the Commissioner is accountable to the Minister, to the authority and, of course, to the Oireachtas. I am sure we will speak to sections 72 and 73, which outline the...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: I think I probably have addressed some of the points that have been raised.

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: Again, it is fair to say that the Garda Commissioner is accountable, in a number of different ways, to the board, the Policing Authority and the Oireachtas. Where somebody is not performing, there is an ability on the part of the Commissioner to try to respond, whether it is a change in policy or a requirement for additional resources. This will happen in the way it always happens. People...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: I am sure Senators are aware that the annual service plan is around the services that are being provided by the Garda based on the strategic plan it has just set out. All the points I have referred to in how the strategic plan is developed can involve engagement with the community or whoever the Commissioner sees fit. This is about looking at the resources that are then needed and how that...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: There is an entire section on the community safety partnerships, as the Senator will be aware. This section is about the service plan that the Garda Commissioner puts in place to roll out the resources that are necessary for the overall plan. There is a role for communities and others to engage with the Policing Authority, the board or ourselves as Members, to make sure the strategic plan...

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: It is not necessary for this section.

Seanad: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Dec 2023)

Helen McEntee: The amendment seeks to place an obligation on the Commissioner to inform the authority, in addition to the board and the Minister, of "any actions, proposed actions, omissions or proposed omissions" which would exceed the resources available to An Garda Síochána for the period of the service plan. It is very much the view, as discussed previously, that this would go against one of...