Charles Flanagan
Ceist:57 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice the average time taken to process a complaint under the Garda Síochána Complaints Act, 1986; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Garda Síochána Complaints Board.
The type and complexity of the complaints handled by the Garda Síochána Complaints Board varies considerably and as such it is difficult to generalise about processing times. However, at present over 50 per cent of complaints are dealt with within four months and a further 25 per cent are finalised within six months.
The Deputy may have in mind the serious arrears situation which arose a few years ago in the processing of complaints. The allocation of additional staff to the board in 1989 and again in 1991 enabled this back-log to be cleared and allowed the board to concentrate its resources on current complaints. I am satisfied that the board is dealing with all complaints as expeditiously as possible.