The Garda Síochána Complaints Board submitted its 2003 annual report to me and I laid it before the Houses of Oireachtas and warmly welcomed its publication.
The board considers that the vast majority of investigative reports are carried out to the highest standard of both efficiency and detail but in a small minority of cases delays in completing investigations have given rise to concern, a concern I share. The board, in co-operation with the Garda Commissioner, has drawn up guidelines for dealing with future investigations.
Provision is made in the Garda Síochána Bill 2004 for the establishment of an independent body to be known as the Garda Síochána ombudsman commission. On 11 March the Bill completed Second Stage in Seanad Éireann and is awaiting Committee Stage. The issue of delays by investigating Garda officers will be addressed in the Bill. The ombudsman commission will be empowered to set time limits for the submission of interim and final reports by Garda officers appointed by the commissioner to carry out investigations.
The Government intends that the ombudsman commission will be established as soon as possible following the enactment of the Bill.
