Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 February 2014
200. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to extend the powers of the Garda ombudsman so that they are the same as the Police Ombudsman in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10225/14]
View answer202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the structure and the operation procedures in respect of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has been found adequate to deal with issues arising since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10247/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 202 together.
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission was established under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to provide independent oversight of complaints made against members of the Garda Síochána. The Garda Ombudsman Commission has a hugely important role in ensuring that public confidence in the Garda Síochána is safeguarded.
Some weeks ago I announced that I would be bringing to Cabinet a number of amendments to the Garda Síochána Act 2005 relating to the Ombudsman Commission. It has subsequently been agreed at Cabinet that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality would be asked to hold such hearings as it deems appropriate and necessary for the purpose of making any recommendations on amendments it proposes be made to the 2005 Act. I look forward to receiving the Committee's recommendations, and in that context I will certainly examine the case for any changes to the remit, powers and structure of the Ombudsman Commission.
As regards the procedures adopted by the Ombudsman Commission, the Commission is independent in the performance of its functions.
