The Policing Authority welcomes the publication today, 9 June 2016, of the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021.

The Authority welcomes in particular the Garda Síochána statement which commits to placing victims at the heart of the Garda Service, to increased visibility of Gardaí equipped with the tools, training and resources to do their jobs, and to the priority given to crime prevention.

The Garda Commissioner described today as the start of an intense period of change and growth for the Garda Síochána. The Authority looks forward to working with the Garda Síochána to support its modernisation and to oversee progress and performance as the various elements of the Programme are rolled out and implemented.

Speaking today Policing Authority Chairperson Josephine Feehily said

“Today is an important milestone for the Garda Síochána organisation. I congratulate the Commissioner on the launch of the Modernisation and Renewal Programme and wish the Garda Síochána well on the journey which they have commenced. The Authority looks forward to engaging further with the Garda Síochána on its implementation in the weeks and months ahead including when it receives the Garda Síochána Strategy Statement for 2016-2018 and the annual Policing Plans for approval.”