The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the comprehensive reform of the Garda Síochána. The Act is the first major revision of the operation of the Garda Síochána since the foundation of the State.
The Act will reform the manner in which the Garda Síochána is managed and will clarify the role and objectives of the force and its relationship with the Minister and Government of the day. It will also establish the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to independently investigate complaints by members of the public against members of the Garda Síochána. In addition, it will establish an independent Garda inspectorate to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the Garda Síochána. The inspectorate will benchmark Garda practice, procedures and performance against comparable best international standards.
The Act also provides for the establishment of joint policing committees, composed of Garda, local authority and community representatives. These committees will provide a forum where the Garda and local authorities can co-operate and work together to address local policing and related issues.
A number of sections of the Act have already been commenced. These include a provision placing a duty on all members of the Garda Síochána to account to their superior officers for any action whilst on duty. This implements a key recommendation of the Morris tribunal into the actions of certain gardaí in Donegal.
I have established a review group under the chairmanship of Senator Maurice Hayes to oversee preparations for the timely implementation of the Act. The group will report to me on progress by the end of December 2005.
