In relation to services within my remit, I should explain that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, is empowered to directly and independently investigate complaints against members of the Garda Síochána. It is also empowered to investigate any matter, even where no complaint has been made, where it appears that a Garda may have committed an offence or behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary proceedings. In addition, the Ombudsman Commission can investigate any practice, policy or procedure of the Garda Síochána with a view to reducing the incidence of related complaints.
The temporary offices of the Ombudsman Commission are at 31 — 35 Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7. The Ombudsman Commission consists of three members, namely, Mr. Justice Kevin Haugh (Chairperson), Ms Carmel Foley, and Mr. Conor Brady.