Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

603. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the policing and community safety Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17324/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In December 2018, the Government published A Policing Service for our Future– the 4-year Plan (2019-2022) to implement the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) – The Future of Policing in Ireland. In that context, the Government approved the development of the General Scheme of the Policing and Community Safety Bill. The Bill will provide for a new coherent governance and oversight framework as recommended by CoFPI to strengthen the internal governance of the Garda Síochána, ensure clear and effective independent oversight and ultimately deliver better policing.

In that regard I would refer to the commitments in the Programme for Government to rapidly implement CoFPI while ensuring that there remains a strong and independent public external accountability mechanism for the Garda Commissioner and Garda Leadership Team.

The Bill will also, as committed to in the Programme for Government, redefine the functions of An Garda Síochána to include the prevention of harm to individuals who are at risk or are vulnerable and place a reciprocal obligation on other public service bodies to cooperate with the Garda Síochána in relation to the broader issue of community safety.

Work on the General Scheme is at an advanced stage in my Department and, following consultation with key stakeholders including the Garda Commissioner and the policing oversight bodies, my intention is to bring it to Cabinet for approval in the Autumn.