Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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165. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which she and her Department have examined policing practices and structures in other jurisdictions with a view to availing of the best such practices for application here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35206/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to assure the Deputy, that my Department, in common with other area of the administration system, would of course have regard to international models when developing policy or legislation proposals on policing matters. However, having regard to a number of unique factors, including the fact that the Garda Síochána is a single national police force which provides a security and intelligence service as well as a policing service, international policing models may require tailoring to our circumstances.

Section 117(1) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 specifically requires the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to benchmark their recommendations by reference to the best standards of comparable police services. Arising from this requirement, every inspection conducted by the Garda Inspectorate, and any recommendation arising, has involved examining policing practices in other jurisdictions.

The Deputy will no doubt be aware that the recommendations of the Inspectorate's 2015 Report, 'Changing Policing in Ireland', formed the basis of the Government's Five Year Reform and High-level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána. The Commissioner’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 is the vehicle for implementing the agreed Government Plan for Garda Síochána. Key reforms being implemented include the replacement of the current District model of policing with a Divisional model where responsibilities will be allocated on a functional rather than geographical basis. However, in implementing this reform, the Garda Síochána is required to continue to maintain the close relationship it has with communities in large rural Divisions. The Plan also contains a commitment to increase the number of civilian staff in the Garda Síochána in line with international norms. A medium term target of achieving 20% civilians by 2021 is proposed to this end. I have asked the Policing Authority to monitor the implementation by the Garda Síochána of the Plan and to provide regular progress reports to the Department on the matter.

In relation to policing practices, I would point to the Garda Commissioner's responsibility under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to direct and control the Garda Síochána. In exercising this function, I understand that the Garda Commissioner has ensured that relevant policing developments in other jurisdictions are reviewed on an on-going basis with a view to identifying and promoting the application of international best practice throughout the Garda Síochána.