Vol. 524 No. 3
172 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself with the operation of the Garda Complaints Board; his views on whether the board has adequate resources to deal with its brief; if he will consider setting up a Garda complaints ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22427/00]
My Department is completing a thorough review of the operation of the Garda Síochána Complaints Act, 1986, on the basis of recommendations for change made by the Garda Síochána Complaints Board in its reports and on the basis of views expressed by the Council of Europe Committee on the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treat ment; and also taking into account the views of Garda management and the Garda representative associations.
I am generally satisfied with the operation of the Complaints Act and the board while accepting, as indeed does the board by virtue of their recommendations, that there is room for improvement. I have also been listening to the public debate that has taken place on the subject during the course of recent months. It is my intention to bring proposals to Government shortly for amendment of the Act, on foot of the current review.
I am aware of the perceived shortcomings of the present system and the dissatisfaction, in certain quarters, with its operation. While it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on the proposals I will bring to Government, I can assure the Deputy that the general thrust of my proposals will be to enhance the role of the complaints board in investigating complaints against members of the Garda Síochána. To this end, I have been concerned to get the balance right and not to rush the review which is, as I have indicated, now close to completion.
As regards a complaints ombudsman, the recommendations I have before me from the Garda Complaints Board are for reform and improvement of the present complaints system. The board have expressed confidence in the present system subject to the changes they have recommended. I will take account of these, and indeed all other observations, in the review.
