Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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112. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the degree to which policing methods in this jurisdiction remain in line with those in other European Union and other non-European Union jurisdictions, with particular reference to the need to achieve best practice, efficiency and effectiveness; whether comparison continues to be made with the best, in this context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7567/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Síochána Act 2005 contains provisions the purpose of which are to endeavour to ensure that the Garda Síochána operates to the best standards in line with the police services of other comparable jurisdictions.

Section 24 of the Act provided for the establishment, by the Garda Commissioner, of a Garda Professional Standards Unit (GPSU) with the specific remit to examine and review the operational, administrative and management performance of the Garda Síochána at all levels and to propose measures to the Commissioner to improve that performance, and further, to promote the highest standards of practice, as measured by reference to the best standards of comparable police services, in operational, administrative and management matters relating to the Garda Síochána.

The Act also provided for the establishment of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate (GSI). The objective of the Inspectorate, as stipulated under section 117 of the Act, is to ensure that the resources available to the 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.