A new working group to review Garda training and development has been established by the Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy.
The 10-member is made up of representatives from both the public and private sector and it will make its recommendations to the Commissioner by the end of November 2008.
"The establishment of this group is timely in that it allows us to examine the educational developments introduced in recent years and gives us an opportunity to stand back and assess the new and emerging challenges which flow from a changing society," Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said.
"It is important that we are in the best possible position to work closely with communities, deal with their problems and respond to their needs. I want to ensure that our people have the skills and training to do this successfully," he added.
The Group includes:
- Mr Pat McLoughlin Chairman, former Deputy CEO of the Health Services Executive
- Ms Mary Twomey Head of Group Strategic Human Resources, AIB
- Mr Seamus Puirséil CEO, Higher Education and Training Awards Committee (HETAC)
- Prof Bairbre Redmond Senior Lecturer, Applied Social Science, University College, Dublin
- Mr Michael Flahive Assistant Secretary, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
- Mr Martin Callinan Deputy Commissioner, An Garda Síochána
- Mr Louis Harkin Assistant Commissioner, An Garda Síochána
- Mr Jim O'Farrell Higher Principal Officer, Department of Finance
- Mr Alan Mulligan Director, Civilian HR, An Garda Síochána
- Mr Jack Nolan Chief Superintendent, An Garda Síochána, Secretary to Group
Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan welcomed the announcement by saying "it is timely that the Commissioner should review the Force's training and development arrangements at this juncture in the history of the organisation."