asked the Minister for Justice if a directive has been issued to the officers of the Garda Síochána that disciplinary cases should now be investigated in the same way as a crime is investigated; and, if so, if it is intended to apply to all cases of disciplinary infringements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Disciplinary Investigations.
93.
I assume that this question arises from a most misleading article about discipline in the Garda Síochána which appeared in a Sunday newspaper on 3rd May. While it is not the normal practice to supply information in regard to what is exclusively a matter of internal Garda administration, I am of opinion that an exception is justified in this case.
The article in question suggested that the maintenance of discipline had become a problem in the Garda Síochána and that officers had been told to "get tough with recruits". The article gave a most misleading picture of the situation. I am glad to be able to say that discipline in the Garda Síochána was never better than it is at present.
Circulars dealing with discipline and a variety of other matters are issued by the Commissioner from time to time but no circular has been issued directing that disciplinary offences should be regarded as crimes nor has any direction been given to officers to "get tough with recruits".
The Minister has avoided answering the question put. I did not ask if disciplinary offences were to be regarded as crimes but whether they would be investigated in the same manner as crimes are investigated.
I am not sure to which circular the Deputy is referring.
The one the Minister referred to as having been referred to in the newspaper.
I did not say any circular——
An fear agus a leithscéal.
I do not think anybody pays much attention to these scare headlines on Sunday mornings.
The Minister seems to be more understanding than some of his colleagues.
The poor fellows have to write about something.