Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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130. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to a report a report by CAO on An Garda Síochána regarding the use by the former Garda Commissioner of a personal email account (details supplied); if he or persons in his Department have received such a report; if persons in his Department have been in correspondence with members of An Garda Síochána by email or other forms of correspondence regarding this report; if he has not received such a report, if he will request same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53362/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As I set out in my reply to the Deputy's recent question in relation to the Policing Authority, the establishment of the Authority represents one of the most significant developments in policing since the foundation of the State.  It constitutes a major element of the comprehensive programme of justice reform which is being delivered by the Government, aimed both at ensuring continuing confidence in the work of An Garda Síochána and at supporting the women and men of the service in the work they do on our behalf every day.

The Authority’s role is to oversee the performance of the Garda Síochána in relation to policing services, to promote public awareness of policing matters and to promote and support the continuous improvements in policing in Ireland. Its mission is to drive excellent policing through valued and effective oversight and governance.

In its independent oversight role in relation to An Garda Síochána, the Policing Authority has engaged actively with An Garda Síochána on the issue of ICT usage, including the use of personal email accounts.  The Authority discussed the matter with the Commissioner at its meetings on 24 November 2016 and on 27 January 2017.  At the latter meeting, a report provided to the Authority by An Garda Síochána was discussed.  The minutes of these meetings are available on the Policing Authority website www.policingauthority.ie.    

I am satisfied that the issue has been appropriately dealt with by the Authority and that no further action is warranted on my part at this time.  My Department has therefore neither requested nor received a copy of this report.  As I stated in my previous reply, I continue to have complete confidence that the Authority, with its wealth of experience and expertise, will contribute to making An Garda Síochána a modern, efficient and accountable policing service.