I am assuming the Deputy is referring to the report from the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission reviewing the general performance of its functions in the preceding 5 years which is provided for under Section 80(4) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. I received the first five year report from the outgoing Ombudsman Commission late last year covering its activities since its establishment and this report was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 11 January 2012.
The role of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission as set out in the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for an independent body with statutory functions relating to police oversight. It is vital that such a body is fully independent and I have no plans to alter this position.
The Deputy has also referred to the Report of the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Thomas Hammarberg who has stated that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission model "can serve as a role model for other countries". I welcome the support of Commissioner Hammarberg for the Irish police oversight structures. He has made a small number of recommendations in relation to reducing the workload through restructuring and in relation to supervised investigations. I will be meeting the newly appointed Ombudsman Commission within the next week and I will discuss both reports with them. On foot of that meeting, I will consider if further action is needed.