Garda Communications.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2004

Thursday, 26 February 2004

Ceisteanna (29)

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

25 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of other common law jurisdictions whose Garda commissioner equivalent must seek the approval of the Minister for Justice prior to publishing key documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6357/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

There are over 50 states whose legal systems are based on the common law system including states such as Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Each has at least one police service, many of the larger states have more than one and some have more than 50 distinct police services. It would not be practical to conduct a survey of all these police services and in any event what is at issue is whether what is proposed in the Garda Síochána Bill is right for the circumstances in this jurisdiction. I look forward to debating the matter during the passage of the Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas.