Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 February 2014
34. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for changes to legislation setting out the relationship of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9579/14]
View answerThe 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, and has extensive powers under the 2005 Act to enable it to carry out its responsibilities, including full police powers of investigation.
On 5 February 2014 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 as to amendments it proposes be made to the 2005 Act. I look forward to receiving their recommendations when the Committee's proceedings have concluded. While it would not be appropriate to put a restrictive time frame on this task, I would anticipate that the Committee will accord due priority to this matter in the context of its work programme.
Separately, the Government this week approved an amendment to the Public Disclosures Bill 2013, currently before Dail Eireann, which will enable the Garda Ombudsman Commission to operate within the architecture of the Bill and receive and investigate reports from Garda whistleblowers.
