Brendan Howlin
Question:55 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the necessity of establishing an independent Garda authority. [17077/97]
Written Answers. - Independent Garda Authority.
My concern is to ensure that we have an effective police force which is accountable to the democratic institutions of the State. In this context the recommendations made by the SMI review group, chaired by Mr. Tony Barry, which will shortly be considered by the Government, will obviously be highly relevant.
I am not aware of any widespread demand to establish an independent Garda authority. Although the issue has been raised before, a number of objections were raised to the idea. In particular the view was taken that the Garda Síochána should continue to remain accountable to Dáil Éireann and the Government through the Minister for Justice. Furthermore there was no evidence that an independent authority would enhance the crime fighting capacity of the Garda. I do not, therefore, have plans to create an independent Garda authority.