Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept it is not relevant to the section.

My colleague, Senator Chambers, raised the issue of the evaluation of the performance by An Garda Síochána. It is not clear how the evaluation would be done, what the strategic benchmarks would be or who would do it. Independence is needed for the evaluation but also in putting together the strategic plan and main objectives. I suggest each of the main objectives has to be allocated to the relevant superintendent or rank of the Garda or deputy Garda commissioner who would be given the responsibility for its implementation. I note there will be a strategic plan every three years. As I said in my previous contribution, after the first plan is drawn up, the timeframe allowed is six months and there would be one every three years. However, it is not clear under section 63(5) of this Bill, where the policing principles to be included are outlined, including the policing priorities, the security priorities and the national strategy, that they do not necessarily have to be updated and that when they are being included in the strategic plan, there may not be any particular evaluation or updating in relation to that section.My main concern is how an evaluation of the performance of the previous strategic plan would be done. I know it will be made available to us but if it is not highlighted in terms of being laid before the Houses, oftentimes those would not be consulted on. It is very important that in respect of section 63(3)(c), the evaluation of its functions would also be discussed and made available in a very detailed format. Reports often have recommendations but they do not have the implementation path about who is responsible and the timeline for those amendments because after the first three-year period, we will be able to see what is and is not working. How do we turn around from there and make those necessary changes and who will be responsible for those changes?