Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
849. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the composition of the high-level review group which evaluated a proposal from the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland in relation to the use of Garda resources prosecuting court cases; his response to their findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10216/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) recommended that the "responsibility for the prosecution of offences should be removed from the Gardaí and all future Court proceedings should be conducted by legal professionals". This recommendation was accepted in principle by the Government subject to a further evaluation of the implications, including resources.
That subsequent evaluation, which was undertaken by a ‘High-Level Review Group’ (HLRG), concluded that the CoFPI change was not appropriate and recommended instead, the implementation of what they termed the “Reform Model”.
A Summary Prosecution Reform Steering Committee was then established to drive forward the detailed design and implementation of the Reform Model. Under the Reform Model, the HLRG recommended that An Garda Síochána retain responsibility for the conduct of prosecutions in court. The HLRG also recommended that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) be supported in substantially enhancing quality assurance of the prosecution functions by An Garda Síochána in the name of the DPP.
The work of the Steering Committee is ongoing and good progress has been made on the design and implementation of the new Reform Model.
The composition of the High-level Review Group is listed in the [Report of the High Level Review Group on the Role of An Garda Síochána in the Public Prosecution System]. As the Deputy will note, the Group comprised representatives from a wide range of interested parties bringing considerable experience and expertise to bear on the Group's deliberations.
