Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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238. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of implementation programme on the modernisation of the An Garda Síochána launched in 2015, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26297/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Government approved a major Five Year Reform and High Level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána in July 2016 based on the implementation of the Garda Inspectorate’s recommendations contained in its report "Changing Policing in Ireland" in tandem with the delivery of the Government’s commitments in relation to increasing the overall Garda workforce to 21,000 by 2021. The Government further agreed that the plan would be implemented as part of the Garda Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021.

The Policing Authority, at the request of my predecessor, is performing an important task in overseeing this process and in supporting the Gardaí in implementing the reform agenda. It is required to report to me, as Minister, every four months. To date it has submitted five reports, the most recent of which I received on 15 June last. For a comprehensive assessment of progress on the implementation of the reform programme I would refer the Deputy to the four progress reports which have been published and are available on my Department’s website at www.justice.ie.

The role of the Policing Authority in delivering the full implementation of the reform agenda is of critical importance. It brings a capacity to engage intensively with An Garda Síochána and maintain a sustained focus on what is actually being done and what is being achieved on the ground. Its reports reflect this rigorous approach and provide a very solid basis for engagement between my Department and An Garda Síochána in relation to the programme.

To support An Garda Síochána in addressing any concerns highlighted by the Authority in its assessment, a structured process of engagement is in place between my Department and An Garda Síochána to identify and agree corrective actions. This engagement, which includes formal meetings at senior official level with the responsible Deputy Commissioner, the Chief Administrative Officer and the Executive Director of Strategy and Transformation of An Garda Síochána will now consider any issues raised in the Authority’s fifth report.  My Department will make arrangements for its publication as soon as practicable.