Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2007
108 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the operation of the Garda Ombudsman’s office in view of recent events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22565/07]
View answerI presume that the question relates to a recent application by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to the Coroner for the adjournment of an inquest.
The Coroner is an independent office holder who acts in the public interest in the investigation of certain deaths. The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is a newly established independent office which also operates in the public interest in the investigation of complaints made against members of an Garda Síochána. The functions of both the Coroner and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission are guided by statute and neither is answerable to me in respect of actions taken in individual cases.
It is incumbent on me as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to respect the independence and the distinct roles of both the Ombudsman Commission and the Coroner in our system of democratic accountability. Consequently, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the circumstances of this or any other individual case.
