Vol. 555 No. 4
45 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the promised legislation to provide for an independent Garda inspectorate will be published and enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18489/02]
46 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the legislation, announced by him on 4 September 2002 to provide greater accountability of the Garda will be published and enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18488/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.
As indicated in the Government legislation programme – autumn session 2002, as published by the Government Chief Whip on 7 October 2002, a Bill to introduce new inspection arrangements for the Garda Síochána as well as new procedures for dealing with complaints against the Garda Síochána by members of the public is expected to be published in 2003.
On foot of a recent Government decision the Bill will also include measures to provide for a new performance and accountability framework for the Garda Síochána as announced by me on 4 September, 2002. The preparation of the Heads of the Bill is well advanced and it is hoped that its enactment by the Oireachtas will follow as soon as possible following publication.
