In response to a number of press queries, the Authority has issued the following statement:
On 27 March 2017 the Policing Authority requested information from the Garda Síochána on a range of matters relating to Fixed Charge Notices and Mandatory Alcohol Testing data to facilitate the Authority’s further consideration of the matter.
In response, the Garda Síochána provided a large amount of data and information to the Authority on Friday 31 March, which we have now reviewed. In parallel, the Authority has been working to commission an independent external audit, of (a) the reporting of breath tests and MAT checkpoints and (b) the issuing of FCNs and summonses in respect of FCN offences. We are satisfied that the material provided to us by the Garda Síochána on 31 March has provided sufficient information to enable us to finalise terms of reference for this external audit.
The audit will first examine the measures put in place to prevent a recurrence of these issues and consider whether any further changes or actions are required in order for the Authority to be assured in its oversight role that robust measures have been put in place to prevent future failures of this nature. Concurrently, it will examine the processes involved, how the issues occurred, and any failure to identify problems at an earlier stage and what took place once the issues came to light. The audit will consider any weaknesses in the control and governance environment that facilitated the issues occurring and will make recommendations to the Authority.
We have been working in cooperation with the Office of Government Procurement to enable us to commission this work without delay in compliance with the government procurement procedures. Once this process is complete and a service provider is appointed, we will be in a position to provide information about when the work will conclude and when the Authority will receive a final report.
The documents provided to the Authority by the Garda Síochána were provided on a confidential basis and we do not intend to comment further on them at this time.
On a separate matter, the Authority has noted the publication of the publication of the Final Report of the Fennelly Commission of Investigation. The Authority will be reviewing the findings and recommendations of this Report in the context of its oversight of the Garda Síochána.
The next plenary meeting of the Authority will include a meeting in public on the 27th of April.
