Written answers

Thursday, 7 December 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Departmental Reports

7:00 pm

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 26: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recent report of An Garda Síochána advisory groups, published on 7 November 2006; if he will implement the recommendations of the report; if a timetable has been set for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41912/06]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 36: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recent report of the Garda inspectorate, published on 7 November 2006; if he will implement the recommendations of the report; if a timetable has been set for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41911/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 36 together.

I recently published two important reports recommending radical reform of the top management structure of An Garda Síochána. The reports are by the Garda Síochána Inspectorate and the Garda Síochána Advisory Group chaired by Senator Maurice Hayes.

By way of background, the Garda Síochána Inspectorate was established in July 2006. Its objective under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 is to ensure that the resources available to An Garda Síochána are used so as to achieve and maintain the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness in its operation and administration, as measured by reference to the best standards of comparable police services. This is the Inspectorate's first report. The Advisory Group was appointed by me in August 2006 to advise the Garda Commissioner on addressing the leadership and management challenges currently facing the Garda Síochána. This is the Advisory Group's first, and interim, report to the Garda Commissioner.

The reports recommend enhanced civilian support for senior Garda management and urge accelerated recruitment of civilian support staff so as to release Gardaí for operational duties. Some key recommendations include

a new civilian post at Deputy Garda Commissioner level to deal with administration and resource management, including areas such as finance and information technology,

three new executive civilian posts, namely Legal Advisor, Director of Human Resource Management and Director of ICT, at the level of Assistant Commissioner. More generally, the Advisory Group urges,

a new post of Assistant Commissioner for professional standards, reporting direct to the Garda Commissioner.

maximum delegation of operational responsibility to the Assistant Commissioners in charge of the Regions, with appropriate support by civilian staff in areas such as finance, HR and analysis,

a realignment of the Garda Síochána's organisational chart to recognise the central role of these Regional Commissioners and the core policing functions they exercise.

I very much welcome these timely reports as a very significant contribution to the current reform and renewal of An Garda Síochána. I have recently brought the reports to the attention of the Government which is fully supportive of these recommendations contained therein.

The Garda Síochána Inspectorate is currently undertaking an operational and administrative assessment of the Garda Síochána, including resource allocation and the deployment of Garda and civilian personnel. I have asked for an interim report from the Inspectorate on its assessment no later than end January 2007. Following receipt of that report, I intend to bring specific proposals to Government at that stage in relation to the implementation of its recommendations and in relation to the implementation of these existing reports.

Finally, I should emphasise that the reports on the reform of the Garda management structure are the beginning and not the end of a process of reform and modernisation. I want to thank the members of the Advisory Group and the Inspectorate for the work they have put into these reports, and I also want to acknowledge the co-operation they have received from An Garda Síochána.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 27: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received the report of Mr. Michael Mellet into the death of a person (details supplied); the main findings of the report; if he has not received the report, when he expects to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41923/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have not yet received the report of Mr Michael Mellett in relation to this matter. I understand from Mr Mellett that his inquiries are at an advanced stage, but that certain material of particular relevance to the inquiry is still in the process of being obtained by him. I cannot give the Deputy a definitive indication of when I might expect to receive the Report, but I am hopeful that I will receive it in the near future.

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