Written answers

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Department of Justice and Equality

An Garda Síochána

Photo of Pa DalyPa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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1324. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the scope of the Garda Síochána Expert Review Group on Recruit Education and Entry Pathways and Learning and Development; if she will receive a copy of its initial report; when she expects the report to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39125/21]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) was published in 2018 following significant consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including public representatives, government officials, academics in Ireland and abroad, Garda members of all ranks, and Garda staff. The Commission's recommendations were accepted by Government in December 2018, including the establishment of an Expert Review Group to bring forward recommendations in relation to recruit education and entry routes and pathways into An Garda Síochána, and in the area of learning and development within An Garda Síochána.

The Expert Review Group on Recruit Education, Entry Pathways and Learning and Development commenced work in late 2020. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings of the group moved to a remote format in early 2021 and I am advised that work is progressing well.

The expert review group will provide strategic advice and recommendations to An Garda Síochána in respect of the areas that are fundamental to the successful delivery of learning and development interventions in the organisation, including learning and development strategies, provision of services and governance.

The group will also advise on the recommendations set out by CoFPI in respect of recruit education and the revision of entry routes and pathways into An Garda Síochána. The report will consider a wide range of recruitment issues including training and education, development of pathways for entry to An Garda Síochána and recruitment strategies for a diverse police service.

The expert review group report will be provided to the Garda Commissioner towards the end of 2021, who I expect will then engage with my Department in respect of its findings and recommendations.

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