Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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240. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the likely extent of reorganisation of An Garda Síochána in the aftermath of various inquiries with a view to restoring confidence and support for the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33487/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that there is an extensive programme of reform underway arising from reports into An Garda Síochána, some arising from inquiries into allegations of misconduct, others from reviews into aspects of the operation and administration of the organisation. While these have made, and continue to make, an invaluable contribution to ensuring that we have an effective police service, they were not tasked with examining policing in a “root and branch” manner. In addition institutional arrangements for governance and oversight have evolved significantly in recent years in a piecemeal fashion.

An Garda Síochána is approaching its 100th anniversary. Its members have served with dedication and courage over the decades with some, sadly, having made the ultimate sacrifice, but Ireland is a very different country today than it was at its foundation. It is facing challenges rooted in the rapidly changing nature of society and of crime.

In these circumstances, it is right that we take a step back to ask some fundamental questions about how our State should be policed in the future, what structures are appropriate - is a single police and security service still the best model, to whom should it be accountable, what sort of culture should it embody? I believe the decision taken by Government to establish an independent Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, to be chaired by Ms Kathleen O'Toole, will prove to be a very important one capable of leaving a valuable legacy.

An important consideration in establishing the Commission was that it would not impede the existing reform programme. The Commission is to report by September 2018 and much can be done in the meantime to modernise the administration and operation of An Garda Síochána. I am determined that there will be no let-up in the reform drive. The work of the oversight bodies must continue and the Government's support for An Garda Síochána by providing the necessary resources for recruitment and investment must continue.

Crucially, the Commission may bring forward immediate proposals and rolling recommendations for implementation, that it considers are required to be addressed in the short-term, and in advance of its final report. This will allow the reform programme to be adjusted as necessary to ensure that it will deliver a police service fit for modern times.