Minister for Justice publishes plan to counter internal corruption in An Garda Síochána

A plan to counter the threat of corruption in An Garda Síochána has been published by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.

It aims to address the recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate’s report ‘Countering the Threat of Internal Corruption’, which was published in March of last year.

The inspectorate made 34 recommendations around strengthening anti-corruption measures and improving safeguards, including in the areas of the abuse of power for sexual gain, conflicts of interest/business interests, substance testing, vetting and the operation of the statutory exemption from fixed charge penalties in emergency situations.

The implementation plan, published on Friday, contains actions to address each of the recommendations as well as timelines.

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“As outlined in the implementation plan, significant progress has already been made by the new Garda Anti-Corruption Unit on addressing a number of the recommendations, and clear timelines have been set out for those that are outstanding,” the Department of Justice said.

Ms McEntee said the unique nature of policing meant “it is one which is open to the threat of corruption”.

“An Garda Síochána is not alone in this and this report will help ensure that An Garda Síochána has the appropriate structures and measures in place to guard against that threat,” she said. “Any wrongdoing or corruption within policing damages the integrity and morale of officers and staff alike and undermines public confidence in police services.”

The Minister added that “significant work” has been undertaken by An Garda Síochána to counter corruption and to develop a culture where “it is safe and encouraged to speak up if you are aware of corruption or wrongdoing”.

“Clear policies and procedures are in place for reporting and dealing with wrongdoing; professionalism and integrity is taught and promoted right from training in Templemore for new recruits through to each and every rank and grade in An Garda Síochána,” she said.