Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

103. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a response to the report of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate into the investigation of serious crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43783/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, last week I published the report of the Garda Inspectorate on Crime Investigation and welcomed its analysis as providing the foundation stone for the future development of a 21st century policing service for Ireland. The report rightly acknowledges the dedication and commitment of members of An Garda Síochána and indeed notes that many of the issues raised had been identified in other comparable police forces. We should bear in mind too that An Garda Síochána day in day out has considerable success in bringing offenders to justice and keeping our communities safe. Nevertheless, as I said on its publication, its findings raise serious concerns and represent a highly challenging analysis of Garda processes and systems.

The Report will play an important role in the overall justice reform programme underway, including the establishment of an independent Police Authority, strengthening the powers of GSOC, and the open competition for the recruitment of the Garda Commissioner.

Implementation of this programme is being overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Justice Reform, chaired by An Taoiseach, and this Committee will also now take on a role in overseeing delivery of the reforms recommended by the Inspectorate.

There will also of course be a central role for the new Police Authority and Garda Commissioner in implementing the identified reform. Ahead of the establishment of the Policing Authority, I intend to hold discussions with Josephine Feehily, the Chairman-designate, on the establishment of an effective implementation framework to oversee delivery of reforms in An Garda Síochána, along the lines recommended by the Inspectorate.

The incoming Garda Commissioner, who is due to be appointed shortly following an open competition, will also be central in driving implementation of many of the reforms arising from the Inspectorate’s analysis. In advance of this appointment, I have already welcomed the decision of An Garda Síochána to establish an Implementation Steering Group to immediately focus on the implementation of the short, medium and long-term recommendations in the Report, and a programme of Risk compliance and Continuous Improvement Teams which will be introduced in each region to support a revised focus on professional standards and to tackle any weaknesses identified in the Inspectorate's report. I have also asked the Acting Commissioner for an overall response to the Report and its recommendations.

In addition, upon publication of the Report I set out a further comprehensive series of measures being taken to address the issues identified by the Inspectorate including:

- plans for the necessary and early investment in upgrading Garda technology to bring outdated paper based practices into the 21st century

- new Garda measures to improve consistency and accuracy of data

- a review of the report by the CSO to see whether and to what extent it may have implications for the crime statistics which that Office produces

- an expert group to be chaired by the CSO to examine its recommendations, including in relation to crime counting and detection rules, with a view to introducing new national standards

- measures to improve supports for victims, including victims of domestic and sexual violence.

It is clear from the Report that developments in systems and processes in An Garda Síochána have not kept pace with developments in broader society and police forces globally. The Report's analysis has been welcomed by Government and we are determined to act on it. I can assure the Deputy that we will work to equip An Garda Síochána to meet all of the challenges of 21st century policing, and to put the needs of victims first.