In the context of the department’s strategic goal to provide ‘a safe and secure Ireland’, the department is responsible for advising the Minister in relation to policing policy matters (both domestic and international), discharging the Minister’s governance responsibilities and the exercise of his or her powers in relation to An Garda Síochána, Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, the Policing Authority, Garda Síochána Inspectorate and Forensic Science Ireland.