Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 November 2004
108 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received the report of the senior Garda officer who has been requested by the Commissioner to examine all matters featured in a television programme (details supplied) of 8 January 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27238/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAllegations of serious wrongdoing by members of the Garda Síochána, such as those broadcast on the "Prime Time" programme, are of serious concern to me. Some of the cases featured in the television programme of 8 January were previously reported and in the public domain. A number of the cases have been dealt with in the courts or by the existing complaints and disciplinary mechanisms. One case is due to come before the courts and there may yet be other civil actions so the House will appreciate that, in the circumstances, I am limited in what I can say on the specific details of individual cases.
I can say I have just received — in fact, on 1 November 2004 — a report from the Commissioner in respect of all matters featured in the broadcast in question. In the report, the Commissioner reviews the investigation of each case highlighted in the programme, and proposes a number of specific measures with regard to the systems, practices and procedures which operate within the Garda Síochána to ensure the existence of adequate safeguard mechanisms for the mutual benefit of members of the public and the force. The Deputy will appreciate that I will need to carefully study the report and discuss it with the Commissioner before making any further detailed comments.
The House knows my view that the existing law and procedures for dealing with complaints against members of the Garda Síochána are not adequate to the task. Allegations of the type aired on "Prime Time" provoke entirely legitimate unease in the public mind, but can also cause frustration within the force at what is sometimes seen as a lack of balance and fairness. The most fundamental objective now must be to put in place a mechanism for dealing with complaints against members of the Garda Síochána which commands the full confidence of members of the public and the force alike and which will adjudicate on complaints in a manner accepted by all as authoritative. To this end, a key objective of the Garda Síochána Bill 2004, which is currently before Seanad Éireann, is the establishment of a fully independent ombudsman commission which will have wide powers to investigate complaints made against members of the Garda Síochána. I hope that these proposals will come before this House soon and that they will have the support of all Deputies.
