This follows from comments yesterday when we had a discussion in the Chamber on security services. The section relates to determining the priorities for An Garda Síochána in performing its functions relating to security and security priorities. Understandably, the section is vague on what that might be because, of course, security services are sensitive. It is important that we are mindful of how we deal with this. Subsection 4 states that, as soon as practicable, the Minister will determine security priorities and…

I welcome Deputy Stanton. The fact that the Bill has to state that the Minister can exclude from the copy laid before the House elements that may not be suitable to be in the public domain shows why it can be argued that the appropriate place for those services is not under An Garda Síochána. The Bill will progress and pass. Is there scope to consider at a policy level removing those elements from An Garda Síochána and setting up a national security service or agency? At present the deputy Garda commissioner is cha…

I understand the Minister said that in 2005 the establishment of a separate national security agency was considered. In the past decade in particular, there have been many changes. Heretofore as a country we relied heavily our geography to protect us. We did not think national security was an issue for Ireland but that it was something that happened elsewhere. We did not think there were threats that could affect us and that we would be left alone because we were a small little island out in the Atlantic Ocean and …

If I could be of assistance I think it was the information-----

The Minister has a question.

Work was done in assessing whether we needed a separate security agency and a report was done. Could we get a copy of that?

No problem.

I thank the Minister and appreciate her response. I appreciate that she will circulate the report. When was that body of work conducted? Who was involved in that decision-making process such that, at this point in time, it would not be the right move for us, as a State, to move towards a separate national security agency?

It is in response to the Minister's response. I do not think people were generally aware of that.

It is. It is about security priorities in the Garda Síochána.

It is directly relevant to the section. I want to find out when that work was done, who made that decision and if there is an intention to review that decision at any point in the future. If we could get information in terms of what has been established under the Department of the Taoiseach, that would be helpful.

With regard to the strategic plan, I note that this section lays down a process by which the plan is developed, how it is laid before the Houses and how it is consulted upon, and I have a couple of questions on that. I agree with the timeline set down. It should be done within six months and it is then submitted to the Minister and the Garda for the period of three years, which is a reasonable amount of time and allows for change when it is required. Subsection (3) states: “A strategic plan shall… (b) specify in re…

I was finished anyway.

I was actually about to conclude.

I know we have been back and forth on this but the point I raised was that if there is evaluation and the objectives are not met, will further time be given or is a particular process employed after that point - almost an evaluation as to why objectives are not being met? My concern remains that the view in rural areas is that because Garda resources are at times constrained and a lot of overtime is being used, resources will be pulled from rural areas to the cities and bigger towns. Regarding a policy like this wh…

I have a brief question about the publication and implementation of the plan. A question was asked about whether the public will have access to that plan in terms of being able to view it in a particular location. How is it intended to publish that plan and will it be made available in a number of formats to take account of the fact that not everybody might be to get into the local Garda station or access a website? How would that feed into the public being able to link in with the plan in terms of its publication?

I thank the Minister for that clarification. The point being made broadly is that we should ensure the reports are accessible to all people of all abilities. Sometimes putting something online or laying it before the Oireachtas means it does not reach everybody. Perhaps there are other locations, such as in a community centre, where they could be made available. I am sure the local partnership and local authority members will have access. Maybe the local authority is a good place to lay plans. Often plans of this n…

On section 65, I raise similar types of points. The annual service plan is obviously important. It sets out which services the Garda will provide, the volume of services, the objectives to be achieved through those services and performance targets. Similar points were raised by Senator Mark Daly. How would the objectives be established and how will performance be measured effectively? What will be the consequences in terms of measuring those performance targets? I note with interest the provision in section 65(3)(g…

On the specific question on performance targets and what happens if they are not met, I note the Minister said there would be flexibility in the plan. However, I think the line used by Senator Gallagher that “What gets measured, gets done” is pertinent. If there is an incentive to get certain things done, other things may get missed. It is important that unnecessary pressure is not put on the Garda by particular targets being set. How will that evaluation take place and what is the process after that? Within a work…

In relation to the capital plan, this is obviously extremely important and related to the Garda being able to deliver services. What is set out in this capital plan is crucial and vital in terms of An Garda Síochána being able to deliver its services across the country. Section 68(3) states that "In preparing a capital plan, the Garda Commissioner shall have regard to (a) the resources reasonably expected to be available to An Garda Síochána for the period to which the plan relates". I would welcome the Minister's …