Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004
883 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he intends to take following revelations broadcast on 8 January 2004, about the Garda Síochána concerning allegations of assault and perjury; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1635/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny allegations of serious wrongdoing by members of the Garda Síochána, such as those broadcast on the "Prime Time" programme, are of course of serious concern to me. Some of these cases were previously reported and in the public domain, and either have been or may be dealt with in the courts or by the existing complaints and disciplinary mechanisms, and I will not comment on the specific details of each case.
I regard it as essential that there should be in place a mechanism for dealing with such cases which commands public confidence. In this regard I will shortly be publishing a Garda Síochána Bill, the draft scheme of which was approved by Government and published in July 2003, one of the principal aims of which will be the establishment of such a mechanism which will address the acknowledged shortcomings of the existing law and procedures in this area.
