Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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511. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures and mechanism for persons with policing experience and qualifications gained in another jurisdiction, that is, another policing service or Northern Ireland, that can enable them to transfer into An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35833/17]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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512. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of police officers serving in An Garda Síochána who are on secondment from the police services outside Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35834/17]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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534. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to consult with the Policing Authority and An Garda Síochána regarding reforming Garda recruitment policy to increase the age limitations of recruits and to allow for qualified members of other European police services to transfer into and apply for police duties in An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35879/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 511, 512 and 534 together.

While there are currently no mechanisms for the ‘transfer’ of persons with policing experience and qualifications gained in another jurisdiction to An Garda Síochána, there are a number of routes under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 by which individuals with such experience may join the organisation

Competitions for the positions of Garda Commissioner and Deputy Garda Commissioner and not restricted to serving members and, as the Deputy will be aware, the most recent competitions for these posts were open to all individuals with relevant experience and qualifications.

Competitions for appointment to the ranks of Assistant Garda Commissioner, chief superintendent and superintendent are open to members of the PSNI once they meet the eligibility criteria. The Policing Authority assumed responsibility for undertaking these competitions on 1 January 2017 and, coinciding with that date, the eligibility criteria were extended to include any member of the PSNI not below the rank of inspector who has served not less than 2 years in that rank. Previously, they were confined to those in the rank immediately below. The 2005 Act also provides for the secondment from the PSNI to certain ranks in An Garda Síochána for a period not exceeding 3 years. I have been informed by the Commissioner that there are currently no police officers serving in An Garda Síochána on secondment from police services outside the State.

Also of relevance is the statutory provision for former members of An Garda Síochána to be re-appointed to the organisation. The most recent applications in this respect concern former members who departed to serve in police services in Australia and have gained valuable skills and experience from that service and wish to re-join An Garda Síochána.

Individuals with appropriate policing experience and qualifications gained in other jurisdictions may also be suitable for appointment to various civilian roles available within the Garda organisation. Having regard to the Government's aim of 20% of the Garda workforce comprising civilians by 2021 it can be expected that these opportunities will increase.

I am very keen to explore how further opportunities can be created to open up entry routes at all levels and I look forward to receiving the report of the Garda Inspectorate's examination of the options before the end of the year. Those options could include, for example, fast track entry for policing professionals from other jurisdictions at the lower ranks and the targeted intake of experienced skilled police officers at the senior ranks.