The Taoiseach has said “we've moved on” from last year's crises in the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána.
In 2014, the Justice system was beset by a series of events from the penalty points controversy to phone tapping and the retirement of the former Garda Commissioner.
Today, Enda Kenny and the Justice Minister met with the Garda Commissioner this afternoon to discuss progress in relation to the ongoing Justice Reform Programme.
Mr Kenny said the new year was providing plenty of new opportunities for An Garda Síochána.
“We’ve moved on from (the crises),” Mr Kenny said.
“In addition to 400 new vehicles, by the end of February there will be 300 new recruits in training in Templemore.
“And I’ve had discussions with the Minister for Justice here and the commissioner in respect of the reform programme that’s underway for the justice system for facilities for the gardai and for the men and women in the force to do their job and to do it competently,” he added.
Garda Inspectorate chief inspector Robert Olson told the Oireachtas Justice Committee that the PULSE system is “1990s technology” and needs to be replaced by a more modern alternative that will aid gardai to properly deal with crimes.
Today's event at Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park also saw the announcement of a delivery of 370 new vehicles for the police force.
Some of the 370 new garda vehicles, on dispaly at Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park Image: Juliette Gash
The Garda Commissioner said today she is working at reforming the entire IT system of An Garda Síochána.
Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan says the force is looking at wider reforms than just Pulse, saying:
“Just before Christmas we had a meeting of the steering committee which is chaired by the chair of the policing authority, we had representatives of various government departments.
“We have very comprehensive requirements identified in terms of where we need go with ICT. It isn’t just about Pulse, it’s actually about creating a modern and effective ICT system that facilitates and enables the workings of AGS and we’re very focused,” she said.
