Review of the Department of Justice and Equality requires careful consideration – Conway

Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Justice and Clare Senator, Martin Conway, has said that the review of the Department of Justice is essential to safeguard the broad range of reforms to policing and justice currently underway in Ireland.  Senator Conway was speaking after the publication of the Report of the Independent Review Group on the Department of Justice and Equality by Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Justice and Equality.

“The Report of the Independent Review Group on the Department of Justice and Equality reveals serious management failures within the Department whilst also highlighting staff strengths, commitment and capabilities.  The report contains a number of recommendations including strengthening the leadership and management practices in the Department, as well as improving key functions such as internal communications, risk management and audit. Restructuring the Department of Justice is essential to safeguard the broad range of reforms to policing and justice currently underway in Ireland

“The Review Group, chaired by Mr. Kevin Toland, was established on 3rd June 2014 following a decision of Government and was asked to examine the performance, administration and management of the Department and to make recommendations to the Minister.

“Given the significant recent disquiet over the administration and oversight of justice in this State, I believe this report is timely and will bring about significant change and will, I have no doubt, enable the Department to build on its considerable strengths and fully address any areas that need improvement.

“I look forward to considering the findings and recommendations of this report in detail when it is discussed by the Oireachtas Justice Committee.”