Vol. 499 No. 5
17 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the increase from 866 in 1993 to 1,291 in 1997 in the number of complaints made to the Garda Complaints Board; his views on the increase in the number of complaints; the plans, if any, he has for reform of the Garda Complaints Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3048/99]
I am aware of the numbers of complaints made to the Garda Síochána Complaints Board in recent years, which the board has documented and commented upon in its reports.
It is difficult to determine specific causes in relation to the observed increase in complaints. However, as with similar bodies such as the office of the Ombudsman, the level of complaints is generally observed to increase as the general public becomes more aware of these organisations and the functions they perform.
In relation to reform of the board, the Garda Síochána (Complaints) Act, 1986, obliges the board to keep under review the working of the system of investigation and adjudication of complaints and to report to me on these matters every three years.
In the last such published triennial report, the complaints board expressed it as their view that the Act generally provides the board with the powers necessary to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation of complaints. However, the board went on to propose certain legislative and procedural changes that would, in the opinion of the board, enhance its effectiveness and efficiency while, at the same time, improving the quality of service to both members of the public and of the Garda Síochána alike.
Moreover, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment made certain recommendations in relation to the composition of the complaints board and of the disciplinary tribunals appointed by it which the Government agreed to consider.
In the light of these various recommendations, my Department is currently conducting a review of the Act and its operation, which involves consultation with interested parties, including the Garda Síochána the Director of Public Prosecutions and the complaints board itself.
Once this review is complete, I would hope to bring any necessary proposals for change to Government at an early date.
