Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

688. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the work of the Commission on the Future of Policing; the number of times it has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39002/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland was established by Government earlier this year to undertake an independent, comprehensive examination of all aspects of policing including all functions currently carried out by An Garda Síochána (community safety, security and immigration). It is also to examine the full range of bodies that have a role in providing oversight and accountability for their activities; the Policing Authority, the Garda Inspectorate, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, my Department and the Government.

The terms of reference require the Commission to bring forward proposals addressing five themes:

- structures and management arrangements required for the most effective delivery of policing (including all functions currently carried out by An Garda Síochána);

- appropriate composition, recruitment and training of personnel;

- ·culture and ethos of policing;

-appropriate structures for oversight and accountability, and;

- legislative framework for policing.

The terms of reference also call on the Commission to have regard to:

- existing and emerging issues identified as key challenges for Ireland’s model of policing;

- best practices in the policing models of other countries focused towards greater effectiveness and efficiency, and fostering public confidence in policing;

- previous reports concerning policing in Ireland;

- any specific challenges to delivering consistent structural and cultural reform in policing.

The Commission is chaired by Ms Kathleen O'Toole and comprises 11 other members drawn from Ireland and from overseas with wide ranging expertise. Members were selected due to their track record in their respective fields. As well as serving as the current Chief of Seattle Police Department, Ms O'Toole previously served as Boston Police Commissioner and Chief Inspector of the Garda Inspectorate. She was a member of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland (Patten Commission) established in 1998 to inquire into policing in Northern Ireland. The Commission is supported by a full-time secretariat.

The terms of reference require the Commission to consult widely in the course of its work, including with the public and civic society and any other bodies or individuals it considers appropriate. In line with this requirement, the Commission has launched a consultation process via its website and is encouraging individuals and organisations to share their views on all issues relevant to the Commission’s terms of reference as an important input to the Commission’s report.

The Commission is to report by September 2018 and it may, in accordance with its terms of reference, 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.

The Commission has met to date on four occasions since it was established. Discussions have also been held with other bodies including the Minister and officials from the Department of Justice and Equality, the Garda Inspectorate, the Policing Authority and An Garda Síochána. Similar discussions and consultations with organisations key to the future of policing in Ireland will continue over the coming months. The Commission is seeking submissions from individuals and organisations on all issues relevant to its terms of reference. Further details on this, and on the approach being undertaken by the Commission in progressing its work can be found on the Commission website - .