Policing Authority starts work today

The independent Policing Authority, which will oversee the performance of An Garda Síochána, comes into operation today.

Some of the responsibilities currently exercised by the Government or the Minister for Justice have been transferred to the authority.

It will have the power to nominate people to the posts of Garda Commissioner and Deputy Garda Commissioner, appoint people to senior positions within the Garda civilian staff, approve the annual Garda policing plan and examine resources within the organisation.

The authority will be able to request the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and/or the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to initiate an inspection or inquiry or to examine Garda practices or procedures.

It will hold regular meetings with the Garda Commissioner, at least four of which will each year be open to the public and the media. Its other functions include approving Garda strategy statements and setting priorities and performance targets for An Garda Síochána.