Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 September 2014
280. Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when she was first informed that GSOC had instructed solicitors to represent them in their dealings with persons (details supplied); and by whom she was so informed. [35523/14]
View answerThe Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is an independent statutory body established under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The Act provides that the management and control generally of the officers, administration and business of the Ombudsman Commission is the responsibility of the Chairperson of the Commission.
GSOC is not required to notify my Department when they engage legal services. They are, however, required to operate within the budget which is provided from my Department's Vote and this requires them to seek sanction in particular circumstances. I am advised that GSOC made a sanction request on 23 April, 2014 to my Department in respect of expenditure on legal services related to the independent inquiries being conducted by the persons detailed.
