Brave Garda reforms will help the force

THE reputation of An Garda Síochána has taken a battering over the past decade. Controversies such as the wiping of penalty points, the unseemly battle between the gardaí and the force’s Ombudsman, and the disastrous handling of the whistleblower scandal have left a force demoralised and a public dismayed.

The controversial resignation of former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and Justice Minister Alan Shatter amplified calls for major reform of a police force that seemed increasingly unsuited to the modern age.

That task has fallen to the new Garda Commissioner, Nóirín O’Sullivan. Just 100 days into her new role, she announced this week that 100 senior officers will be moved and high-profile units merged. It was an audacious and symbolic start.

But enormous challenges still lie ahead, from restoring public confidence to reinvigorating a disenchanted force to engaging in a programme of radical reform.

Gardaí abused their right to award penalty points – clearly it is necessary to end their discretionary power.

Also, gardaí were less than co-operative with investigations by the Ombudsman. The Cabinet has already strengthened the powers of the watchdog. We often hear of closing rural Garda stations and a shortage of gardaí on the beat. This has not been helped by a recruitment freeze and a slew of senior officers taking early retirement. However, the force has begun recruiting again.

With the full support of the Government, and substantial financial backing, the Garda Síochána can reclaim its sterling reputation. And Ms O’Sullivan has shown she is not averse to being bold and imaginative.