Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 21:

In page 15, before section 15, to insert the following new section:

"15. — (1) The Garda Commissioner may subject to subsection (2) and the regulations, establish a Dublin Metropolitan Police Service.

(2) The power to establish a Dublin Metropolitan Police Service shall be exercised within 12 months after the passing of this Act.".

This amendment deals with the structure within the Garda Síochána in Dublin. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform stated that no regional structure is attached to the Garda which one can argue is one of its strengths. However, as Dublin city expands westwards, northwards and southwards, specific policing problems are also growing. In the future, it may be logical for a regional structure to be put on policing in the capital city. We have given our proposed force the title, the Dublin metropolitan police service. While we are not suggesting this should become immediate policy, it may be useful to insert this in the Bill if a future Government wishes to choose this route.

An advantage to a regional structure in Dublin's policing would be the prioritisation of the best possible use of resources in the area. Divisional status for the Garda in Tallaght was agreed upon in principle eight years ago, but due to the lack of police accommodation in the area to house the chief superintendent it has not been delivered upon. In the future, we may have to broach the issue of a Dublin metropolitan police service for the entire region. This legislation presents the only opportunity over the coming years to deal with root and branch reform of the Garda Síochána. This proposal may be utilised in future years and should be considered for inclusion in the Bill.