Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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271. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received interim reports on the future of policing committee that was set up in May 2017 to develop a blueprint for policing into the future here; if he or his officials have drafted reports on the way in which a transfer system for police officers from outside the State can transfer laterally or on a rank for rank basis to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31373/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, which began its work in May 2017, is undertaking a comprehensive examination of all aspects of policing including all functions currently carried out by An Garda Síochána. It is also examining the full range of bodies that have a role in providing oversight and accountability for their activities.

The Commission is due to report in September. I understand from my discussions with the Chairperson, Kathleen O'Toole, that the Commission expects to publish its report in accordance with that timeline. The members of the Commission come from diverse backgrounds and have impressive track records in their respective fields. The Chairperson was, of course, a member of the Patten Commission which developed the blueprint for the successful transformation of the PSNI following the Good Friday Agreement. I am confident that the Commission’s report will similarly chart a new course for policing in Ireland in the decades ahead and I look forward to receiving it. The Commission is, of course, an independent body and it is important that it is free to carry out its work in whatever manner it sees fit. It has not submitted an interim report. The Commission has published two updates on its activities which may be of interest to the Deputy. They are available on the Commission's website at www.policereform.ie.

In relation to possible routes for members of other police services into An Garda Síochána I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Garda Inspectorate “Review of Entry Routes into An Garda Síochána” which I published on 28 June last. That review, which was undertaken at the request of my predecessor as part of the Government's commitment to reform and modernisation of An Garda Síochána, proposes tailored approaches to the creation of new entry routes into the organisation at all ranks up to and including Assistant Commissioner rank. It is, of course already the case that appointments to the ranks of Superintendent, Chief Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner are open to eligible officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The review is a valuable resource for policy development to support An Garda Síochána to attract the best possible candidates and to broaden and diversify the Garda workforce so that it reflects the composition of the communities it serves. I have sent a copy of the review to the Commission to consider having regard to its terms of reference which appropriate composition and recruitment methods and routes into the Garda Síochána.