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Government to set up commission on future of Irish policing

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Government to set up commission on future of Irish policing

The Government has approved the establishment of a Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald (pictured) has announced.

In making the announcement, the Government also reaffirmed the need for the extensive reform programme already underway within An Garda Síochána to continue.

In a statement issued yesterday afternoon, Ms Fitzgerald said the issues she considers should be addressed are:

  • structures and management arrangements required for the most effective delivery of policing, including all functions currently carried out by An Garda Síochána - community safety, security and immigration

  • appropriate composition, recruitment and training of personnel,

  • culture and ethos of policing,

  • appropriate structures for oversight and accountability, and

  • the legislative framework for policing.

    • Ms Fitzgerald also considers that any draft Terms of Reference should take account of:

    • existing and emerging issues identified as key challenges for Ireland’s model of policing,

    • best practices in the policing models of other countries focused towards greater effectiveness and efficiency, and fostering public confidence in policing,

    • previous reports concerning policing in Ireland.

    • any specific challenges to delivering consistent structural and cultural reform in policing.

      • The Terms of Reference will be drafted in consultation with opposition parties and relevant statutory bodies including the Policing Authority, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman and the Garda Inspectorate.

      Once this consultation process has been completed, Ms Fitzgerald will return to Government with proposals for the establishment of the Commission and draft Terms of Reference.

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