Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 May 2014
187. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the timeframe it takes for a complaint to be processed by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission once the complaint has been deemed admissible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21925/14]
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 in 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.
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.
Following a decision by Government, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality is reviewing the effectiveness of the provisions of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and Regulations made under the Act insofar as they relate to the oversight of the Garda Síochána and the powers and remit of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.
The Government agreed on Tuesday last to a number of measures in response to the Guerin report. One of these measures was to urgently bring forward new legislation to strengthen the operation of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. This will be advised by the work of the Joint Oireachtas Committee.
