John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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79. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the annual targets to increase the civilian component of An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9143/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Government has an agreed overall vision for the Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 to include 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Garda Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. This very substantial investment in personnel is driven by our commitment to ensuring that all citizens have the reassurance of a visible, responsive and effective policing service.

At present there are approximately 2,000 civilians in the organisation carrying out senior management, administrative and technical roles. 4,000 civilians will effectively double this figure and represents a medium term target of 20% civilians over the next 5 years. This will bring An Garda Síochána, currently with 14% civilians, more into line with international norms and ensure that trained police men and women, are available for and utilised in operational areas.

To support the implementation of this vision, Budget 2017 has provided funding for 800 Garda trainees, 300 Reserves and up to 500 civilians. The recruitment and appointment of these additional civilians will facilitate the Commissioner in addressing capacity and critical skills gaps across the organisation including in corporate supports, change management, human resources and financial management at the national, regional and Divisional levels, and also to begin the phased redeployment of Gardaí to front-line policing roles. These additional resources will make an important contribution to the delivery of the ambitious reform agenda set out in the Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 and will facilitate deeper civilianisation in the coming years.

The Garda Commissioner has agreed that the 20% target will be achieved through a twin-track approach: firstly, the identification of Gardaí filling roles that could be done by suitably qualified civilians of whom the Garda Inspectorate has indicated there may be in the region of 1,500, and secondly, the application of a "civilian by default" policy. Under this policy all new posts, other than operational policing posts, and non-operational policing posts that become vacant, will be filled by civilian staff with the appropriate skills and expertise. Having regard to the Policing Authority's statutory functions in relation to approving the number and grades of civilian staff in An Garda Síochána, and making senior appointments, I have requested the Commissioner, in conjunction with the Authority, to prepare a 5 year plan to achieve the 20% target through the rigorous application of these policies. Work is underway on this plan and I am informed by the Authority that of the 500 civilians to be recruited this year, Garda management has indicated that some 30% will lead to redeployment opportunities which is a very welcome start on a road that has the potential to make a huge contribution to ensuring that we have an effective and efficient police service.