Throwing money at problems, be it in healthcare, education or policing doesn’t necessarily address deep-seated deficiencies, as successive governments have realised. An alternative approach that requires changes in work methods and established practices is, however, deeply unpopular because it demands long-term political commitment and determined action. That junction in decision-making has been reached for the Garda Síochána.
This Government leaves office with the competence and discipline of the Garda Síochána under scrutiny and the morale of its members at a low ebb. During the past five years, a succession of official reports, whistle-blowing activity and political controversies forced the passage of legislation that reduced ministerial control, increased the level of disciplinary oversight and provided for community involvement. But these reforms are at a teething stage and could succumb to entrenched opposition. The next government will have to grapple with a job half-done.
A recruitment ban, following the economic crash, was lifted in 2014. But because of retirements and other factors, the number of gardaí has continued to fall. Garda staff representatives have suggested the force lacks the necessary resources to meet public demands for policing. In the light of a report from the Garda Inspectorate, last month, it is a self-serving, deflective argument. The Inspectorate found the Garda Síochána to be top-heavy, inefficient, defensive, bureaucratic and resistant to change. It recommended changes to administrative divisions and manpower allocations that would free up 1,000 gardaí for front-line services at little or no cost. And it noted on-going resistance to change within the force.
An Independent Policing Authority came into being this month but the Government has carefully circumscribed its powers. It will be allowed to nominate persons for the positions of Garda Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner, but final decisions will fall – as they always have done – to the Minister for Justice. It can, however, request the Garda Ombudsman Commission or the Garda Inspectorate to initiate inquiries and, in addition, pronounce on the adequacy of police resources. It may set Garda priorities and performance targets and engage with the Garda Commissioner at regular public meetings. These are useful developments, designed to open up a closed organisation to positive, external scrutiny.
What is beyond doubt is that change is needed to ensure best international policing practices and ethical behaviour throughout a force that continues to be too self-serving and defensive. Part of that will involve the Garda mending fences with the Ombudsman Commission and the Inspectorate and accepting their involvement as being both necessary and useful. The other part will require encouragement by the next government.