Government to examine end to gardaí’s prosecution role next year

Government to examine end to gardaí's prosecution role next year

Charlie Flanagan

Proposals to take prosecution decisions away from An Garda Síochána and given to an expanded state solicitor or national prosecution service will be examined by the Government in the second half of next year.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan yesterday announced a four-year implementation plan for the recommendations made by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland in September.

The Government is accepting all 157 recommendations from the Commission - 136 in full and 21 in principle, pending further analysis.

According to the A Policing Service for the Future implementation plan, the Government will commence a review on prosecution decisions in either the third or fourth quarter of 2019.

Mr Flanagan said: “The High Level Implementation Plan, which has been prepared with the input of the Implementation Group on Policing Reform chaired by Ms Helen Ryan and endorsed by every Minister and Government Department, sets out an ambitious, but realistic, four-year plan for the implementation of the recommendations. This timescale is in line with the Commission’s own recommendations.

“The actions identified will transform how policing services are delivered. Most importantly, local front-line policing will be placed at the core of our police service, ensuring that Gardaí are more visible in communities. It will also deliver a professional, modern and effective police service that is well-managed, efficient and cost effective, properly equipped and trained, with a strong ethical core and accountable to the people.”

He added: “I am grateful to Ms Helen Ryan, who served as a member of the Commission, and has agreed to Chair the Implementation Group responsible for driving the Plan with the support of a dedicated Programme Office located in the Department of the Taoiseach. Her experience as a Commission member and in the business world will be invaluable.”

Share icon
Share this article: