The Garda Commissioner represents rank-and-file gardaí. That is why he will be consulted. The role of the Minister is to act on behalf of the Government, having been appointed Minister, to approve the priorities in consultation with the other bodies represented. That is laid before the Houses, as has been set out.

This is very similar to what we have in the 2005 Act. It means that if an issue were to arise, it allows the authority to be able to respond and create new priorities if necessary. It ensures the system is not static. This allows for issues that may arise in this area.

The National Security Analysis Centre is under the Department of An Taoiseach. It engages with all relevant Departments, including my Department, the cybersecurity office, the Army and An Garda Síochána. What we have in the legislation is similar to what we had in the 2005 Act. It was looked at and it was decided not to establish a separate agency or body.

Section 62(2) states that before determining security priorities under section 62(1) or specifying performance targets, the Minister shall consult with the Garda Commissioner and such other persons as he or she considers appropriate. When it comes to security matters, the Minister tends to be guided by the Garda Commissioner and the authority that sits under the Department of An Taoiseach that has responsibility for security.

We take this matter seriously. Following from the Commission on the Future of Policing, the National Security Analysis Centre was established in the last number of years. The Commission on the Future of Policing also considered whether to recommend the creation of a separate agency with powers going beyond analysis and intelligence co-ordination to include, for example, a capacity to develop its own intelligence services. This was decided against. We have been guided by an extensive body of work. This was looked at…

Yes.

I thank the Deputy. Only this morning, I updated the family justice development forum on a number of actions that have been undertaken to improve the family justice system not just for parents but also for children. One of those actions related to a report I received just this week on court assessors. It looks at ensuring we have a number of actions in place in the short, medium and long terms. In the long term, it is to ensure there are correct diplomas and routes through which people must go to become a court ass…

I am not sure what information the Senator is looking for.

I can outline it again.

I can provide the full report for Members as I am sure they would like to read through all of it. We have carefully considered whether to recommend the creation of a separate agency with powers going beyond analysis and intelligence co-ordination to include, for example, the capability to develop its own intelligence sources, such as the security service in the United Kingdom, or even full police powers such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States. We are not convinced that this is either necess…

This is the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland report that was finalised in 2018. It was approved by the Government and this Bill is the culmination of that report. This is what we are doing with that report.

On the last question, the new Garda Reserve campaign will open in the new year and will be the first such campaign since 2017. Disciplinary matters are very much for the Garda Commissioner and are not something for which I am responsible.

As was said, amendments Nos. 47 and 48 are similar and we have considered them together. Amendment No. 47 relates to section 63, which provides for the preparation by the Garda Commissioner of a strategic plan for An Garda Síochána. Amendment No. 48 relates to section 65, which provides for the preparation by the Commissioner of the annual service plan for An Garda Síochána. What the amendments seek to do is oblige the Garda Commissioner, in preparing such plans, to have regard to the public interest. Again, I full…

Shoplifting is obviously a matter for the courts. Some decisions are taken where there is post-monitoring, or areas that certain individuals cannot go into after they have been prosecuted. More broadly, retail theft is up approximately 14% since the Covid pandemic. That is why we are working with the Department of enterprise; with the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond; and closely with An Garda Síochána on a new retail theft operation. Operation Táirge was launched this week. It w…

This is very similar to what we currently have. This is to allow An Garda Síochána to plan for the future and make sure we have plans in place, and not just for one year given many plans may go beyond that. That is why a period of three years has been chosen, and it was also three years previously. As I mentioned, the previous reason given for not setting a timeline was that issues arise and we need to ensure the authority can respond effectively where new priorities need to be identified.

The objectives are identified through consultation, as is laid out. That is done at the direction of the Commissioner, and he or she can consult whomever they like. It is done that way so that we do not constrain them. Obviously, if targets are set the Commissioner is not just accountable to the Minister, but also to the board, the authority and to the Oireachtas. All Members here can be part of that. Section 33(2) sets out how the Commissioner must manage the resources they have.

The Commissioner decides who he or she consults with and that is to allow him or her to consult with whosoever he or she deems fit. The Commissioner must bring the plan to the board. The board is a new structure with one chair and eight ordinary members. We already discussed the make-up and how that board will be appointed. The plan is a three-year plan so that we allow for various different elements to work, be developed and embed in communities depending on what it is. The Commissioner is responsible to the board…

Section 63(8)(a) states that the strategic plan may be amended by the Minister at any time having consulted with the board. If issues arise, it can amended at any time. It does not necessitate a new plan. This is a national plan. The Commissioner represents gardaí throughout the country so it is not just for any one specific area. Again, section 63(5) states that in preparing a strategic plan, the Garda Commissioner shall have regard to the views of such persons as may be consulted, to the authority, to policies of…

The Commissioner represents all of the organisation both rural and urban. As he or she will consult any of those bodies he or she deems fit or look at any of the priorities or principles, this covers not just rural but urban areas. In terms of resourcing and allocation, it is the same in any Department, organisation or agency. It must have the capacity and funding. There is a separate process in terms of identifying what funding is allocated to each Department every year. The Commissioner must then work with the re…

As both Senators will be able to see, because they have copies of the legislation right in front of them, section 64(2) states: The Garda Commissioner shall ensure that, as soon as practicable after a copy of a strategic plan is laid before each House of the Oireachtas, the plan as laid is published on a website maintained by or on behalf of An Garda Síochána or in such other manner as the Minister may specify.