Garda report recommends ‘fundamental restructuring’ of Irish policing

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has published a major report which recommends a “fundamental restructuring of An Garda Síochána across the country”.

The Changing Policing in Ireland - Delivering a Visible, Accessible and Responsive Service report was produced by the Garda Inspectorate following two years of research.

Launching the report, Ms Fitzgerald said: “This report makes a critical and important contribution to the ongoing reform agenda of An Garda Síochána.

“The reform agenda currently underway in the justice sector is aimed at strengthening accountability, modernising the Garda Síochána and ensuring that resources are used to best effect.”

The 380-page report contains more than eighty recommendations, accompanied by key actions to be implemented in the short-, medium- and long-term.

The recommendations address the structure of An Garda Síochána; operational deployment practices; enablers of organisational change; effective use of human resources; and financial, information technology, and other resource practices.

The Inspectorate and the Garda Commissioner will make a presentation on the report at a specially convened Cabinet meeting on justice reform next week.

A copy of the report will also be sent to the chairperson-designate of the forthcoming Policing Authority.

Ms Fitzgerald said: “Many of the recommendations are far-reaching and, if implemented, would result in a fundamental restructuring of An Garda Síochána across the country.

“It is important that the full implications of the recommendations are considered in detail, and a wide range of views are heard, before decisions are taken on them.

“The Government is determined that whatever actions might ultimately be taken in response to the recommendations will not interfere in any way with the closeness of the relationship between An Garda Síochána and the communities it serves.

“In fact, many of these recommendations are aimed at enhancing and developing frontline policing and community supports.”