A TRANSFORMATION OFFICE has been set up by An Garda Siochána as part of the overhaul being brought in in the wake of the Garda Inspectorate Report.

The news was unveiled by the Justice Minister, Frances Fitzgerald, who said that significant progress has already been made in the overall justice reform programme.

In an answer to a parliamentary question from Deputy Mick Wallace, she explained:

To assist in the overall reform process a Strategic Transformation Office has been established at Garda Headquarters to co-ordinate the implementation of the reforms arising from the Inspectorate’s report.

Implementation of this programme is being overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Justice Reform, chaired by An Taoiseach, which recently received an update on progress about the Inspectorate’s recommendations.

An Garda Síochána has established an Implementation Steering Group to focus on the implementation of the recommendations.

Minister Fitzgerald said that steps include:

• The establishment of Risk Compliance and Continuous Improvement Offices in each region.
• The development of a new Incident Recording Process is currently being piloted in three Garda divisions.

Other  measures which are underway include:

• The development of a new accountability framework for crime investigation, incident management and administration.
• The introduction of a new IT strategic planning process to oversee the necessary and early investment in upgrading Garda technology.

In addition, Garda Victim Service Offices in each Garda division were implemented on 16 March 2015, and a new Child Protection, Domestic Violence and Human Exploitation Unit has been established.

A Chief Superintendent was appointed to oversee the new unit under the auspices of National Support Services.

Updates are also being made to PULSE to facilitate better communication with victims.

The minister also said that the Central Statistics Office is carrying out a detailed analysis of PULSE data in relation to the recording, classification and reclassification of crime.

A Criminal Justice Strategic Committee was set up recently, something which was recommended by the Inspectorate.

Minister Fitzgerald said she is “satisfied with the progress being made” and is in ongoing contact with the Garda Commissioner on the issues.

Dedication

The Minister said that it is also important to note that the Inspectorate’s report “recognised the dedication and commitment of members of An Garda Síochána to the prevention and detection of crime”.

She said that commitment “was certainly demonstrated in the recent investigation into the murder of Elaine O’Hara”.

Fitzgerald said she wanted to “acknowledge the work of all of the Garda team involved in the investigation, and express my sympathy with the family and friends of Ms O’Hara”.

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