asked the Minister for Justice if he is satisfied that gardaí who use the complaint procedure provided within the force are not subsequently victimised either by arbitrary transfer or lack of promotion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Complaint Procedure.
27.
I have no reason to think that the promotion prospects of a member of the Garda Síochána or his liability to transfer are affected by his use of the complaint procedures within the force.
What investigations has the Minister made to achieve this level of satisfaction? Has he spoken to any members of the force of garda rank about their reluctance, in some cases, to use the complaint procedures because they feel this, perhaps unjustifiably?
I have spoken to many members of the force.
Is the Minister not aware that the ordinary civil rights of the members of the force are interfered with continuously in the most disgraceful fashion from the top? I do not know who the Minister talks to. I do not know which members of the force he talks to. Is it Taca members?
Question No. 28.
I am entitled to a reply. If the Minister tells me to—let him do so, but if I ask a serious question, which I did—
Which?
When?
Deputy Dowling dribbles enough in this House.
I have called Question No. 28.
I will not give instances for fear of victimisation, which is the very thing referred to in this question, but is the Minister not aware of this, and would he make some investigations as to whether the ordinary civil rights of garda are interfered with regularly?
They certainly are not. If any garda feels that he is being victimised by any superior authority, he has a procedure whereby he can communicate directly and privately to the commissioner under chapter 15 of the Garda code.
Could he not write to the Minister?
Has the Minister spoken to any members of the force specifically about this question of the complaint procedures?
My communications with members of the force must necessarily be confidential but I am quite satisfied that, if there were any complaints on these grounds, they would be conveyed to me through the proper channels. There are ample channels open to members of the force.
Oh yeah!
Is the Minister aware that the six members of the Garda Síochána who travelled to the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis as official delegates from County Monaghan last week were trying to break through this net?
I know nothing of what the Deputy is saying.
The Minister will be made aware of it by Parliamentary question next week. He should ask the Minister for Health. He will be able to tell him.