The Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, has announced the establishment of a Working group to review Garda training and development.

The ten-member group has been tasked by the Commissioner to examine all training and development in An Garda Síochána for garda and civilian personnel and to make recommendations for the future.

In announcing the establishment of the Group, Commissioner Murphy said: "Training is fundamental to our ability to deliver an effective and professional policing service in the 21st century. We want to ensure that people entering this organisation are receiving high quality training in line with the best international standards and that, as they progress through their careers, they can avail of development and continuous learning opportunities."

Referring to the remarkable contribution of the Garda Training College at Templemore to Garda training and development the Commissioner said:

"In recent years we have introduced new elements to our probationary training, enhanced specialist training, established a Crime Training Faculty, and commenced an Executive Leadership Programme for management. The Garda Training College at Templemore has a proud tradition and I want to acknowledge the strong role it plays in equipping the men and women of An Garda Síochána for the challenges which meet them in their daily work in the community.

Speaking about the programme of work which he has laid out for the Group, the Commissioner added:

"The members of the group come from both the public and private sector. I will be relying on them to draw on their own considerable expertise and experience as well as consulting widely with key stakeholders, particularly the Garda staff associations and civil service unions, as they progress their work. I am asking them to present a report to me by the end of November 2008. I will publish their findings and recommendations."