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Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Investigations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2018

Tuesday, 2 October 2018

Questions (275)

Clare Daly

Question:

275. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the GSOC investigation into a matter (detail supplied) and in view of the fact that the former acting Garda Commissioner failed to respond to a request from the chairperson of GSOC, to issue the family with an apology. [39729/18]

View answer

Written answers

The case to which the Deputy refers was amongst complaints considered by independent counsel under the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM). The Deputy will recall that the IRM was established to consider complaints made against the Garda Síochána and to recommend what action, if any, the Minister should take in relation to each complaint.

In accordance with the recommendation of counsel for the IRM, this particular case was referred to GSOC by my predecessor for investigation under section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.

I have received a report outlining the findings of this investigation. A copy of the report was also sent to the family concerned. I should emphasise, however, that GSOC does not consider this matter closed so I cannot say anything that might prejudice the ongoing matter.

In accordance with section 97 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, GSOC wrote to the former Acting Commissioner of An Garda Síochána to provide him with a report into these matters, to outline a number of issues arising from this investigation and to make recommendations to An Garda Síochána. I understand that GSOC is currently awaiting a full response from the newly-appointed Garda Commissioner in this regard. I also understand that GSOC intends to issue a further update in relation to this matter when this response is received.

As the Deputy is aware, GSOC is an independent statutory body and the manner in which they conduct their investigation is a matter for them. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that in the circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time. I can assure the Deputy, however, that I will consider this matter fully upon receipt of a final update report on the case from GSOC.

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