Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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139. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the detail of the commitment in the programme for Government concerning extending Garda oversight and accountability following the Garda Inspectorate report on the restructuring of An Garda Síochána. [30750/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Inspectorate report 'Changing Policing in Ireland' which was published last December is a comprehensive report into all aspects of the administration of An Garda Síochána. In July the Government approved my proposals for a Five Year Reform and High Level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána which combines the Government’s response to the report of the Garda Inspectorate and the commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government to increase the visibility, effectiveness and responsiveness of An Garda Síochána. In this regard it sets out an overall vision of a Garda workforce of 21,000 comprising 15,000 Gardaí, 2,000 Reserves and 4,000 civilians to be to be achieved incrementally over five years in tandem with the delivery of reforms. The delivery of this overall vision is supported by provision in the 2017 Estimates for the recruitment of 800 trainee Gardaí, up to 500 additional civilian staff and 300 Reserves.

The reform plan has three interlocking elements that must work together if it is to succeed-

- the reform measures themselves which are designed to deliver 21st century policing in a world class policing service;

- the resources in terms of increased numbers of Gardaí, Reserves and Civilians backed up by the substantial capital investment of €311m already earmarked for ICT, the fleet and Garda stations under the Capital Plan 2016-2021; and

- the enhanced implementation structures to ensure delivery leveraging the resources and statutory remit of the Policing Authority.

The vehicle for the reform agenda will be the Garda Commissioner’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 published in June which captures the bulk of the recommendations of the Inspectorate Report.

In the case of civilians the plan sets a target of 20% to bring An Garda Síochána more into line with international norms. This in effect means an increase in the number of civilians to 4,000. This will be achieved through (i) a ‘civilian by default’ policy to be adopted in relation to the filling of all new posts other than operational policing posts and for non-operational policing posts that become vacant and (ii) redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties that may be done by suitably qualified civilians where necessary. It is worth noting that the Inspectorate Report suggests that there are up to 1,250 Gardaí in such posts including in the Garda Technical Bureau, ICT, Human Resources etc. The Garda Commissioner, in conjunction with the Policing Authority will prepare a plan by the end of this year to realise this target by 2021.

As I have said, the bulk of the Inspectorate’s recommendations have been accepted. However, it is not intended to implement at this time the recommendations of the Inspectorate aimed at reducing the number of regions and Divisions having regard to the major reform programme underway in An Garda Síochána, and the importance of ensuring visible leadership and maintaining and enhancing the close links between An Garda Síochána and local communities. These recommendations will be kept under review.

The Policing Authority is an independent statutory body established on 1 January 2016. Its role is to oversee the performance of the Garda Síochána in relation to policing services, to promote public awareness of policing matters and to promote and support the continuous improvements in policing in Ireland. Its mission is to drive excellent policing through valued and effective oversight and governance.

Since its establishment, the Policing Authority has been focusing, as a matter of priority, on its functions which have statutory deadlines and reform significance. The Policing Authority has met on several occasions with the Commissioner and her senior team, as a follow up on its consideration of the O’Higgins Report and related matters. A number of these meetings have been held in public to reassure the community about the performance of the Garda Síochána. Areas that have been highlighted in the discussions include:

- Implementation of the Modernisation and Renewal Programme within An Garda Síochána;

- Review of the Garda Protected Disclosure policy;

- Plans to conduct a culture audit within An Garda Síochána;

- Corporate governance arrangements and management structures within An Garda Síochána; and

- Arrangements for training and the professional development of members

The Authority has approved a three year Strategy for An Garda Síochána. It has also determined the policing priorities for 2017 which will inform the content of the 2017 Policing Plan which will be published before the end of the year. It has reviewed and issued recommendations on the Garda Protected Disclosure policy and will also establish a Code of Ethics that includes standards of conduct and practice for Garda members.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has a hugely important role in ensuring that public confidence in the Garda Síochána is safeguarded, and has extensive powers under the 2005 Act to enable it to carry out its responsibilities. Significant changes were made to the powers of GSOC in the last two years including making GSOC a designated body for receiving protected disclosures.

I am committed to ensuring that we have in place the most effective possible mechanism for the investigation of complaints and I met with the Chairperson of GSOC last month in the context of considering what further changes are desirable. It was agreed that a working group would be established to consider possible legislative changes.