Written answers

Tuesday, 23 October 2018

Department of Justice and Equality

Commission on the Future of Policing Reports

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

323. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for the implementation of all of the recommendations contained in the Future of Policing in Ireland report by the Commission for Policing Reform; if he has been advised on the need for amendments to legislation or the need for new legislation in order to fully implement the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43516/18]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware the Commission on the Future of Policing published its report on 18 September. The report contains a wide range of recommendations which comprehensively address all the themes set out in the Commission's terms of reference.

The Report makes many innovative proposals aimed at strengthening our national security arrangements; empowering the Garda Commissioner to ensure more effective management of the Garda organisation; supporting the internal governance of the Garda organisation through the introduction of a Board and reforming the method of recruitment and training of Gardaí.  It also makes a number of recommendations on external oversight arrangements as well as on the Commissioner’s engagement with the Oireachtas.

This is a major report on one of the key functions of the State and it is now receiving appropriate consideration. My Department is undertaking a detailed consultation process with the new Commissioner and other agencies as well as with other Government departments which are potentially impacted by the report's recommendations. As part of this process, I have asked the Garda Commissioner to respond to the recommendations in the report insofar as they directly concern An Garda Síochána. I have requested that this response will include an implementation plan of how he intends to take matters forward.

I have also written to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality and I look forward to hearing their direct response to the Report in the coming weeks.  I also understand that Kathleen O'Toole, the Chair of the Commission, has been invited to address the Committee next month.  I am very grateful to Ms. O'Toole and the other members of the Commission for their comprehensive report and I believe this will be a very useful engagement which will allow members to hear directly from the Commission as to how it approached its task and reached its detailed findings.

Once these engagements are completed, I intend to seek the Government's approval for a High-level Implementation Plan to take forward the agreed recommendations in the Report.

The Commission recommends significant legislative change and my plans to progress this important aspect of the Report will form part of my proposals to Government in December.

My Department, in consultation with the Department of the Taoiseach, is moving quickly to establish the Implementation Group for Policing Reform and the Implementation Programme Office as recommended by the Commission.  We expect to be in a position to appoint the independent Chair of Implementation Group shortly.  Given the whole-of-Government reach of the report, this Implementation Group and Programme Office will be based in the Department of the Taoiseach. 

While the programme of reform that the Commission outlines is undoubtedly an opportunity for transformational change, it is also extremely challenging, requiring actions across Government. It is prudent that we take some time now to ensure that the necessary structures and resources are in place to deliver this programme of transformation.  The Commission has suggested that transformation should be substantially completed by the centenary of the establishment of An Garda Síochána in 2022.  That is, in my view, a realistic target.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.