Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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69. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the consultations he has had with the Policing Authority regarding the development of the policing plan and related performance targets for An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5556/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The levels of service to be provided by the Garda Síochána are set out each year in the annual policing plan. The independent Policing Authority is required under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, to determine priorities and targets for An Garda Síochána in performing its functions relating to policing services. As the Deputy will appreciate, I, as Minister, have no direct role in the development of the plan.

In developing the policing priorities for 2018, the Authority has had regard to the programme for Government, the Strategy Statement for An Garda Síochána 2016-2018, the Garda public attitudes survey, consultation with the Garda Síochána and other key stakeholders, concerns expressed by members of the public and civil society and in the media, and priorities for previous and comparator policing plans.

The Garda Síochána Policing Plan is prepared by the Garda Commissioner having regard to the priorities set by the Policing Authority. In accordance with the Act, the Garda Commissioner has submitted the 2018 Policing Plan to the Policing Authority and in the aftermath of further consultation with An Garda Síochána, the Authority has recently submitted the Plan for my approval.

Once agreed, the Policing Plan will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.