Justice must be ‘proactive’ on gardaí

The Policing Authority has told the boss of the Department of Justice that she needs to be “proactive” and “visible” in backing cultural change among garda management.

The authority also told Oonagh McPhillips, the acting secretary general, that experienced civil servants should be seconded to Garda HQ to address the lack of skilled talent there.

Ms McPhillips visited the oversight body and met its members, where she praised their work and commitment and assured the authority of the department’s “continuing support”. The authority said it took the opportunity to raise a number of “critical issues”.