Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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14. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied that sufficient progress has been made in relation to addressing the problems highlighted in the Garda Inspectorate report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13398/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Inspectorate Report on Crime Investigation forms an important component in the overall justice reform programme which is currently underway and in respect of which significant progress has already been made. Implementation of this programme, including the reforms recommended by the Inspectorate, is being overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Justice Reform, chaired by An Taoiseach, and the Cabinet Committee recently received an update on progress with respect to the Inspectorate's recommendations.

An Garda Síochána has established an Implementation Steering Group to focus on the implementation of the short, medium and long-term recommendations in the Report. To assist in the overall reform process a Strategic Transformation Office has been established at Garda Headquarters to co-ordinate the implementation of the reforms arising from the Inspectorate’s report.

Notable steps already taken in response to the Report's recommendations include the establishment of Risk Compliance and Continuous Improvement Offices in each Region to ensure the standardisation of processes and to support Regional Garda management in improving the delivery of local policing services and ensuring governance and accountability. In addition, the development of a new Incident Recording Process which addresses the challenges identified in the report is currently being piloted in three Garda Divisions.

Other important measures which are underway include the development of a new accountability framework for crime investigation, incident management and administration, as well as the introduction of a new IT strategic planning process to oversee the necessary and early investment in upgrading Garda technology.

The Garda commitment to improving the support to victims of crime is highlighted in early developments following on the Inspectorate's recommendations. These include the establishment of Garda Victim Service Offices in each Garda Division on 16th March 2015.In addition, a new Child Protection, Domestic Violence and Human Exploitation Unit has been established and a Chief Superintendent appointed to oversee the new unit under the auspices of National Support Services. Updates are also being made to PULSE to facilitate better communication with victims.

I should also note that important work is being led by the Central Statistics Office in relation to the recommendations concerning crime statistics. This includes a detailed analysis of PULSE data in relation to the recording, classification and reclassification of crime, to see whether and to what extent the recommendations may have implications for the crime statistics which the CSO produces. The CSO is also chairing an expert panel to examine the Inspectorate's recommendations on crime statistics.The expert panel will review the crime counting and detection rules, as recommended by the Inspectorate, with a view to introducing new national standards. I understand that the panel will commence its work in the very near future.

More broadly, my Department has recently established a Criminal Justice Strategic Committee, as part of the overall justice sector reform programme, and as also recommended by the Inspectorate. This committee is made up of the heads of all the relevant criminal justice agencies and, as part of its role, will provide a forum to take forward the Inspectorate’s recommendations with cross-cutting implications.

In conclusion, I am satisfied with the progress being made and am in ongoing contact with the Commissioner in relation to the wide range of issues arising from the Inspectorate report and expect to continue to receive regular updates on progress.There will also of course be a central role for the new Police Authority in overseeing the implementation of the reforms identified by the Inspectorate.

More generally, and notwithstanding the issues identified by the Inspectorate as requiring attention, it is also important to note that the Inspectorate's report recognised the dedication and commitment of members of An Garda Síochána to the prevention and detection of crime. That commitment is borne out by the many successes which the Gardaí have had in the investigation of offences. It was certainly demonstrated in the recent investigation into the murder of Elaine O'Hara, and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of all of the Garda team involved in the investigation, and express my sympathy with the family and friends of Ms. O'Hara.