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Garda Misconduct Allegations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2014

Thursday, 18 December 2014

Questions (305)

Niall Collins

Question:

305. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the independent review mechanism will be complete; the costs to date of conducting the independent review mechanism; the estimated cost of the review; the replacement for the independent review mechanism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49352/14]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy is referring to the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach, with a view to determining to what extent and in what manner further action may be required in each case. A panel consisting of two Senior and five Junior Counsel was established for the purpose. The counsel appointed to the panel were all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system.

The independent review is well under way and 307 cases have been referred to them. It is important that nothing arises which might detract from the integrity of the review mechanism. It is therefore considered inappropriate to place a time constraint upon the working of the Panel, although they intend to conclude their work as soon is reasonably practicable.

The costs to date have been approximately €164,000 including VAT.

The independent review mechanism was established as a temporary measure, but I have no doubt that the contents of the recommendations received from the Panel will also inform how we deal with any such issues in the future, after the independent review mechanism has concluded its work. In that context, the Deputy will be aware that, as part of the Government's comprehensive programme of reform in the areas of policing and justice in the State, I am bringing forward new legislation to amend the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to strengthen the remit and powers of GSOC, which is the statutory independent body set up under the Act with oversight functions in relation to the Garda Síochána. One of the legislative changes is to broaden the scope for me as Minister to refer any matter that gives rise to a concern to GSOC for investigation, and I would envisage GSOC as the primary mechanism for the future examination of allegations of this nature.

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