A summary of the Government committee’s conclusions.
• The Department of Justice should cede control for the Garda budget to the Garda Commissioner.
• The Commissioner should place more power in the hands of Regional Assistant Commissioners.
• Civilianisation of posts across the force needs to be accelerated in order to get as many gardaí as possible on frontline duties.
• €10 million budget for Ombudsman Commission is adequate but in the long term the budget should be determined by the number of complaints it decides to investigate. Workload should never be dictated by budget constraints.
• The €115,000 salary for the Chief Inspector to head the Garda Inspectorate should be increased to attract a high-calibre candidate.
• Joint policing committees made up of gardaí and representatives from local authorities and other agencies need to operate in a way that does not overburden gardaí.
• Department of Justice officials should consult with the UK Police Standards Unit in drawing up mooted performance targets for the Garda.
• Younger gardaí should be promoted to senior posts. Applications for senior positions should be invited from overseas to bring in new ideas.
• A major programme of training and consultation needs to be undertaken if changes under the Act are to be realised.