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Garda Communications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2015

Thursday, 9 July 2015

Questions (151, 152, 153)

Niall Collins

Question:

151. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of concerns within An Garda Síochána relating to the leaking of confidential information from An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28041/15]

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Niall Collins

Question:

152. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the discussions she has held with the Garda Commissioner regarding the leaking of information from An Garda Síochána; if she is aware of any new procedures being implemented by An Garda Síochána relating to information being provided to the media from An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28042/15]

View answer

Niall Collins

Question:

153. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of any changes in structure or protocol with regard to the interaction between An Garda Síochána and the media; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28043/15]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 to 153, inclusive, together.

As an organisation the Garda Síochána takes its responsibility for the control of the information it possesses about individuals very seriously. Unauthorised disclosure of information can impede the investigation of an offence and the apprehension or prosecution of suspected offenders and can seriously undermine public confidence in the ability of the Garda Síochána to carry out its functions.

Any member of the Garda Síochána who leaks information to the media is not only contravening clear Garda policy, but is also contravening the law. It is an offence under the Official Secrets Act 1963 for a member of the Garda Síochána, as for any public official, to disclose official information without lawful authority. It is also, quite separately, a distinct offence under section 62 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 for a member of the Garda Síochána to make an unauthorised disclosure of information obtained in the course of duty if the member knows that such disclosure is likely to have a harmful effect. The section sets out a list of instances of harmful effect covered by this offence, which includes for example disclosures which result in the publication of personal information constituting an unwarranted and serious infringement of a person's right to privacy. The penalty for such an offence, upon conviction on indictment, is a term of imprisonment for up to 5 years and/or a maximum fine of €50,000.

Therefore, in terms of the prohibition on unauthorised disclosure of information, I believe that the position is unambiguous.

As the Deputy will be aware there is a programme of change under way in relation to An Garda Síochána. As part of that programme An Garda Síochána has recently introduced a new Communications Strategy. The objective of the Strategy is to enhance trust in the organisation by communicating with the public and other stakeholders about how it is changing for the better, while demonstrating its on-going commitment to protecting and supporting communities and the State. This will be underpinned by core communications principles of openness and honesty; professionalism; accuracy; engagement; being informative; responsiveness, and being legally sound.

The Communications Strategy is designed to promote policing excellence and our changing culture through a wide variety of communication channels in a co-ordinated and consistent way to demonstrate An Garda Síochána’s on-going commitment to protecting and supporting communities and the State. An Garda Síochána's Communications Strategy can be accessed on-line atwww.garda.ie/Documents/User/Communicating%20Better%20On%20All%20Fronts%20-.pdf.

As part of the Communications Strategy, a range of Garda experts will be selected and trained to provide comment to local and national media on the work being undertaken across the organisation as well as public safety messages. They will do this in line with existing regulations relating to the interaction between An Garda Síochána and the media.

Any member of the public who believes that he or she has been the subject of unauthorised disclosure of information by a member of the Garda Síochána may make a complaint to the independent Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, which has extensive powers of investigation.

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