Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2005
304 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government has accepted all the recommendations (details supplied) made in the first report of the Morris tribunal; the progress made to date in implementing these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5682/05]
View answer319 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government has accepted all the recommendations made in the first report of the Morris tribunal, including the need for a more proactive role for Garda headquarters in the management of Garda divisions; the need for improved recording and reporting of incidents; the restoration of the practice of members of inspector rank and above keeping daily official journals; the need for an urgent and independent review of policy on the handling of informants; the need for a specific obligation on members of the Garda Síochána to account truthfully for any actions taken in the course of duty; the progress made to date in implementing those recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5964/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 319 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Commissioner has accepted the recommendations made in the first report of the Morris tribunal. The Garda Commissioner has established an implementation group under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Peter Fitzgerald, to examine the issues arising from the recommendations contained in the first report of the Morris tribunal.
A number of working groups have been established to deliberate on matters raised in the report. These working groups are examining the following areas; (1) role of assistant commissioner and accountability framework; (2) erosion of discipline; (3) issues involving personnel; (4) migration management and policy of tenure; (5) management development; (6) internal audit; (7) informant management; (8) religious and ethnic minorities.
The working groups have almost completed their deliberations and the issues referred to will be addressed therein. A composite report, containing firm recommendations, will be prepared by the implementation group for the Garda Commissioner and myself.
