Vol. 518 No. 2
44 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of complaints which have been made by the general public against members of the Garda Síochána in 1998 and 1999; the number of these complaints found to have substance; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a general scepticism among the general public about making complaints to the Garda Complaints Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11220/00]
The statistical information for 1998 sought by the Deputy is published in the annual report of the Garda Síochána Complaints Board for 1998, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. I have not yet received the report for 1999.
I believe that the broad thrust of current legislation allows complaints against members of the Garda Síochána to be dealt with effectively and fairly. That is not to say that improvements to the present system cannot be made, where appropriate. Indeed, an ongoing review of the Garda Síochána (Complaints) Act, 1986 is taking place and I hope that I will be in a position to bring proposals for improvements to the Act to Government in the near future.
