Today, the Policing Authority held a consultation event on two important pieces of its work which have reform significance:
Establishing a draft Code of Ethics for the Garda Síochána; and
Determining the 2017 Policing priorities for the Garda Síochána.
Over 90 people participated in the event including members of the public, Joint Policing Committee representatives, civil society groups, state agencies, representative associations and Garda members including Garda management. This resulted in lively and robust discussions in both sessions and the feedback provided will be very beneficial to the Authority in completing these critical projects.
In addition to today’s consultation event the Authority hopes to receive written submissions from interested parties on the draft Code of Ethics. Responses to this consultation should be received no later than close of business on Friday 23 September 2016. Full details on how to do this are available on the Authority’s website.
Speaking after today’s event Policing Authority Chairperson, Josephine Feehily said
“The establishment of a Code of Ethics for the Garda Síochána by the end of this year is a specific task given to the Authority by the Oireachtas. Today’s event has provided rich feedback to the Authority as it finalises the Code. It has presented a number of challenges and dilemmas for the Authority to consider as we develop the final text.
We are extremely grateful to those members of the public, civil society groups, Garda Síochána and state bodies who gave us their time and ideas today.
This year marks a significant milestone in the reform in the justice sector Garda Síochána as it is first time that the priorities for policing in Ireland will be determined by a group of civilians. The stakeholder input today will be hugely helpful to us in validating our work which will be developed further with Garda colleagues before submission to the Tánaiste.
The accelerated recruitment programme for the Gardaí launched today is most welcome. In accordance with Government policy, over the next 5 years, there will be up to 30% new Garda members, reserves and staff in the service. This level of turnover presents an invaluable opportunity to influence culture in the Garda Síochána and the Code of Ethics established by the Authority will play a significant part in this. “
