Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress with regard to the greater use of civilians in An Garda Síochána in order to release more members for front line policing duties; the number of posts occupied by Gardaí in 2001 that are occupied by civilians; his plans to fill further such posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22132/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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In my reply to Priority Question No. 4 on 27 April 2006, I provided a comprehensive update on the significant progress being made in relation to civilianisation. I am pleased to inform the Deputy, that in the short time since that reply was given, further significant progress has been made.

There are now almost 100 staff either working or in training at the Garda Information Service Centre (GISC) in Castlebar and I expect that the Centre will reach its full staffing complement by the end of August and be fully operational in September. An open competition to recruit Clerical Officers to fill the remaining vacancies in GISC has succeeded in attracting over 2,000 applications. The GISC is already releasing to front line policing duties, Gardai who would otherwise be occupied inputting data onto PULSE.

Discussions are continuing with staff interests in relation to the transfer of civilian staff to the direct control of the Garda Commissioner, a reform provided for in the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The transfer of civilian staff is due to take place on 1 October next. In preparation for the transfer of these staff to the Commissioner, a new Human Resources Division for civilian staff in An Garda Síochána is being established. It will have a staffing complement of 37 civilians and will be based in Navan. Recruitment of staff for the Division has commenced.

Under the Garda Síochána Act, the Commissioner will become the Accounting Officer for An Garda Síochána with effect from 1 July. This transfer of responsibility is being supported by the establishment of a new Finance Unit within An Garda Síochána for which 9 civilian staff are being recruited. The Deputy should also be aware that my Department is currently finalising proposals to civilianise 31 posts in the Garda Telecommunications area. These positions, most of which were previously occupied by Gardaí, will be advertised shortly.

Meanwhile, the Joint Implementation Group (JIG) comprising management representatives from An Garda Síochána and my Department is continuing its work on civilianisation. Given that the 2001 Civilianisation Report was written at a point in time, the JIG is taking account of changes which have occurred in the environment in which civilianisation is being pursued and looking at ways in which the Civilianisation Programme can be advanced in the shorter term, both in the context of the report and otherwise.

I am determined to drive the Civilianisation Programme forward to ensure that the Gardaí being recruited in the current historic expansion of the Force are deployed to front-line policing duties and that appropriately trained and qualified civilians make the greatest contribution possible consistent with the effective and efficient functioning of An Garda Síochana. I am confident that the progress now being made on civilianisation will deliver on both fronts.