Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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505. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the introduction of a human resource strategy for An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19284/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is statutorily responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, and I, as Minister, do not have responsibility for this matter.

I am informed by the Commissioner that An Garda Síochána has developed a People (Human Resource) Strategy that supports the overarching strategy and vision of the organisation. The People Strategy sets out how the organisation values and treats its people, its approach to and relationship with employees, and the culture it wishes to foster. It details the strategic initiatives and actions being undertaken over three years (2019 to 2021) to ensure the organisation can put the right tools and supports in place to empower and enable people to excel.

The initiatives planned in the People Strategy are influenced by and address the findings in: the cultural audit; organisation consultation; Policing Authority reports; and Garda Inspectorate recommendations, as well as public sector and workplace trends. The People Strategy is aligned with the Policing Service for the Future implementation plan and An Garda Síochána Policing Plan for 2019.

The People Strategy has been approved by An Garda Síochána Executive, and presented to the Policing Authority for observations. The Policing Authority remarked positively on the People Strategy at the public meeting with the Garda Commissioner of 18 April, 2019.

An Garda Síochána is currently preparing communications in respect of the launch of the People Strategy and it is anticipated this launch will take place at the end of May 2019.