Vol. 531 No. 5
14 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects to bring proposals to Government for amendment of the Garda Síochána Complaints Act, 1986; if his proposals are likely to include provision for the appointment of a Garda Síochána ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6150/01]
As I indicated to this House, most recently in replies to questions on 7 February 2001, I accept the need for legislative changes in relation to complaints against members of the Garda Síochána. This is a matter which is being pursued in the context of a comprehensive review I am carrying out in the area of Garda complaints. Deputies will appreciate that the relevant issues raise important and complex concerns.
The review of the Garda complaints machinery and procedures is very close to finalisation and I will submit my proposals for appropriate legislative changes to the Government as quickly as possible. When the Government has considered the matter I will make a further statement.
I have dealt with the question of appointing a Garda ombudsman on previous occasions in this House and also in the replies I gave on 7 February. As Deputies will be aware, a police ombudsman was established in Northern Ireland as part of a series of very specific confidence building measures in relation to the police in that jurisdiction. This is a matter I have considered, on an ongoing basis, in the context of the Garda Síochána and I am not satisfied that such arrangements would be either appropriate or beneficial here.
