Policing Authority assumes responsibilities over civilian Garda staff appointments

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has signed a commencement order giving the Policing Authority new responsibilities over the appointment of civilian Garda staff from today.

Ms Fitzgerald signed the commencement order for section 17 of the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015.

She explained: “Previously the Garda Commissioner, subject to approval from the Minister for Justice and Equality and the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, appointed professional, administrative and specialist civilian staff within An Garda Síochána.

“The effect of this Commencement Order is that the approval of the Authority will now be required in relation to such appointments.

“The Authority will be responsible for appointing civilian staff of grades that are equivalent to or above that of chief superintendent in An Garda Síochána.

There are more than 2,000 full-time-equivalent civilian staff in An Garda Síochána, making up around 14 per cent of the workforce.

Civilian staff work in areas such as scene-of-crime support, IT and telecommunications, research and analysis, accommodation and fleet management, finance and procurement, internal audit, human resources, training and development, and medical services.

Ms Fitzgerald said: “I am committed to increasing civilianisation in An Garda Síochána to free up more Gardaí to get out from behind desks and to focus on frontline policing. This, along with an accelerated regiment programme to bring the number of Gardaí up to 15,000 will significantly increase the strength and effectiveness of the Force.”