Brendan Howlin
Question:44 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to reform the Garda complaints board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25155/98]
Written Answers - Garda Complaints Board.
The operation of the Garda Síochána Complaints Board is governed by the Garda Siochana (Complaints) Act, 1986, which also provides for the board to keep under review the working of the system of investigation and adjudication of complaints and for the reporting to myself on these matters every three years. The last such triennial report proposed certain changes which should, in the opinion of the board, be made to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency. These proposals are of both a procedural and legislative nature, and further details may be found in the report itself, copies of which are available in the Library.
Also, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment — the CPT — in a 1994 report to the Government on its visit to Ireland in 1993, made certain recommendations in relation to the composition of the complaints board and of the tribunals appointed by it.
A review of the complaints Act is ongoing on foot of these recommendations.