New policing authority to be ‘critical friend’ of gardaí

The new policing authority will be a "critical friend" of An Garda Síochána, the independent body's chairwoman Josephine Feehily has said.

The former Revenue Commissioners chairwoman said the body would be entitled to take a view on Garda resourcing when she spoke at the publication of The Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2015 on Monday.

“Those of you that have met me before know that I’m fairly independent-minded myself so you can take it that I will be exercising that independence to the fullest extent that the Bill allows,” Ms Feehily said.

“We are a critical friend of the Garda Síochána, and so you’re critical in terms of their performance, you’re challenging, but you’re also a friend in pointing out where they need support.”

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald, also speaking at the launch in the Department of Justice, confirmed the new policing authority will draw up a code of ethics for Garda members in its first year of operation. It will encourage and facilitate the reporting of wrongdoing within the force.

“That’s a very immediate task for the authority” Ms Fitzgerald said.

The independent body will play a key role in recommending and appointing senior Garda management personnel.

“There is power in the Bill in relation to removal as well,” she added.

Ms Fitzgerald said the draft legislation to establish the policing authority which result in “fundamental reform” of oversight of An Garda Síochána.

The Bill will give some responsibilities currently exercised by the Government or the Minister for Justice of the day to the independent authority.

“This is the most far reaching reform of An Garda Síochána since the foundation of the State. The new Policing Authority will provide a new independent forum for the public oversight of policing services in Ireland,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

Aside from Ms Feehily, advertisements for eight other members will be placed in June and appointments made by Government in July following an independently-run selection process.

TDs,senators and councillors have been excluded from the applying to serve on the Authority, which is expected for the first time in September.

Ms Fitzgerald said the new Authority would “provide a new engine” to drive reforms of the policing system and practices.

“Senior Garda management will report to the authority on the performance of policing services, including by way of quarterly public meetings,” she added.

The authority will also have responsibility for:

· Nominating people for appointment by the Government to the posts of Garda Commissioner and Deputy Garda Commissioner;

· Appointing people to the ranks of Garda Superintendent, Chief Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner, and removing them for reasons related to policing services;

· Appointing persons to senior positions within the Garda civilian staff;

· Determining Garda priorities in relation to policing services;

· Approving the annual Garda policing plan;

· Promoting and supporting the continuous improvement of policing in the State.