Seanad debate on Garda Inspectorate Report needed – Conway

Fine Gael Clare Senator, Martin Conway, has today (Wednesday), said that the Seanad needs to urgently debate the findings of the Garda Inspectorate Report. Speaking on the Order of Business in the Seanad, Senator Conway expressed his shock at the serious, systemic weaknesses in the operation of an Garda Síochána raised in this report.

“I am very concerned that the inspectorate identified the absence of up-to-date dispatch technology as well as deficiencies in practices, supervision and governance relating to the recording, classification and investigation of crime.

“The report also revealed concerns about the current system for counting and categorising recorded crime and the level of recorded detections for those crimes.

“These matters are of the upmost seriousness and I welcome the very thorough work undertaken by the Inspectorate in shedding light on the deficiencies in the operation of the Force particularly in the area of technology.   The findings of the inspectorate reinforces the importance of the programme of reform underway which is being led by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald. I look forward to debating this in the Seanad.”