Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2024
256. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of staff, broken down by rank, assigned to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in advance of the transition next month to the Office of the Police Ombudsman, Fiosrú, particularly given comments made (details supplied) at the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee in February 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26189/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is the independent body established by law to investigate complaints against members of An Garda Síochána. GSOC is completely independent in the exercise of its functions, and as Minister I have no role in any of GSOC's operations, including all HR matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that GSOC has the necessary supports and resources in order to fulfil its statutory functions and mandate. This is reflected in Budget 2024 where funding for GSOC increased by €2.9 million to a total of €19.6 million.
I have been advised by GSOC that there are currently a total of 169 staff members. The current staff complement of GSOC is set out below in tabular form, broken down by grade.
|
SEC |
1 |
|
ASC |
3 |
|
PO |
7 |
|
AP |
28 |
|
PTP |
1 |
|
AO |
2 |
|
HEO |
60 |
|
SO |
1 |
|
EO |
43 |
|
CO |
23 |
|
Grand Total |
169 |
I have been further advised by GSOC that the majority of staff are deployed to teams tasked with GSOC’s investigative functions. In addition there are a number of vacancies due to ongoing staff turnover (promotions, mobility, retirements, etc.). Following development of a workforce plan, the focus of recent recruitment has been on filling all posts required for the forthcoming transition to Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, on commencement of the Police, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. This exercise has now been substantially completed and the current focus is to fill the remaining key positions, as well as filling a number of vacancies arising across the organisation.
All available means are being employed to fill these key posts and GSOC is in ongoing engagement with the Public Appointments Service. It is expected that there will be further appointments in the coming weeks and months.
