Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to Senator Mooney's point about Garda morale, the Garda Inspectorate held its focus groups with members of the Garda Síochána approximately two years ago. Given that the Government is managing the economy effectively, we are able to invest in ongoing Garda recruitment. We have 1,150 new gardaí and have allocated an investment of several hundred million euro for the refurbishment and development of the kind of facilities the Garda needs. This year, we have made a much-needed investment in Garda vehicles that will help gardaí do their jobs effectively and efficiently. When gardaí are receiving the resources they need and there are new members joining the force, it is good for morale.

Approximately 800 recommendations on the Garda Síochána have been made by a variety of reports over several years. The Government accepted all the recommendations of the report on criminal investigations, which was published before this report. Last year, a programme of implementation started, and the changes outlined in the report are already happening. It is reassuring and important. By the end of the year, PULSE will record crime investigations, not just the fact that a crime took place. It is a development of the technology. There was a need for investment in technology, and it is under way. Rosters, as mentioned by Senator Ó Clochartaigh, will be on computers. It is extraordinary to think that rosters are not computerised and no HR system is available to the Garda. The tendering process is in place to ensure it happens next year. All of this is important in dealing with the issues in the inspectorate report.

I have asked the Garda Commissioner and some other stakeholders to respond in the first instance to the recommendations. Many of the recommendations are very far-reaching and, if implemented, will lead to a fundamental restructuring of the Garda Síochána across the country. I therefore want the full implications of the recommendations to be clearly discussed and understood. I agree that the inspectorate report needs wider discussion and I am very pleased that the justice committee will meet representatives of the inspectorate this afternoon. Given the history of community policing, which we want to maintain, and the need for community policing, there are questions about how the recommendations would impact on it and how we can ensure it continues. The report makes general points about culture, and there are many recommendations. We must carefully consider what an implementation plan would look like. We need feedback from the front line on the implications of the recommendations.