Jack Wall
Ceist:86 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will establish an independent police authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3211/98]
Written Answers. - Garda Regulatory Body.
Ceist:
291 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to establish a Garda council or other self-regulating authority for the gardaí. [3344/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 291 together.
This is an issue that arises from time to time but it has never been favoured. The view has been taken that the Garda Síochána should continue to remain accountable to Dáil Éireann and the Government directly through the Justice Minister rather than some intermediate body. Furthermore, there has been no evidence that an independent authority would enhance the effectiveness of the Garda Síochána.
As the Deputies will be aware an extensive review of the stucture and operational capacity of the Garda Síochána was carried out recently by a steering group as part of the SMI process. The group made a range of recommendations and they did not include the establishment of an independent authority. I believe this speaks for itself. My overall concern is to ensure that we have an effective police force which is fully accountable to the democratic institutions of the State and I am satisfied that a police authority is not necessary to ensure that.