Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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313. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the sums allocated to cover the costs of the Commission on the Future of Policing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39194/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland was established by Government in April 2017 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 10 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 also 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.

For an update on the work of the Commission, I refer the Deputy to the press release issued by the Commission on 1 September, available on the Commission website www.policereform.ie, which sets out the approach being undertaken by the Commission in progressing work under its terms of reference.

Following the establishment of the Commission my Department engaged with the Chairperson and secretariat in relation to its budgetary needs and subsequently obtained sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for the amount sought of €1.5m. This budget includes all cost components for the Commission including remuneration of the members, the costs of the secretariat, the conduct of an extensive consultation process as required by the terms of reference, and other operating costs considered necessary and appropriate for the Commission to fulfil its remit.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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314. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures that have been taken to combat digital fraud on persons' mobile phones; and if he will compel communication providers to take a more active role in blocking these fraudulent phone numbers. [39234/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to these matters and I will contact the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.