Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 April 2014
170. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied with the average processing times for complaints against gardaí being investigated by the GSOC; the efforts that are being made to ensure shorter times; if there is any particular reason for the delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15806/14]
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.
I am advised by the Ombudsman Commission that, conscious of the need to provide efficient and effective service for its various stakeholders, they have invested considerable time and energy to decreasing the duration of investigations arising from complaints. While they make every effort to ensure that all cases are concluded within a satisfactory timeframe, inevitably some cases take longer than others to investigate.
The Ombudsman Commission has raised concerns in the past concerning cooperation issues with the Garda Síochána.
As I have previously advised the House, revised protocols were agreed and signed by the Chairperson of the Ombudsman Commission and the Garda Commissioner on the 23rd September 2013 aimed at ensuring the highest possible level of co-operation between the two organisations. These revised protocols put in place clear procedures for the timely sharing of information, including sensitive information, and more generally for enhanced co-operation.
A committee was also established, chaired by a senior official of my Department, with senior representatives from the Ombudsman Commission and the Garda Síochána, to act as a forum where any future emerging issues concerning the protocols can be identified and appropriately addressed.
