The Garda Síochána Act 2005 sets out the role of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. The Act establishes the Ombudsman Commission as a key element of the policing framework.
Some amendments have already been made to the relevant provisions of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 within the Criminal Justice Act 2007. The Ombudsman Commission has also outlined further possible legislative amendments in two reports which were laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 1 May 2008. The aim is to promote greater effectiveness in the use of the Commission's resources in the light of its experience to date.
Discussions on the issues involved are ongoing with the Ombudsman Commission, and I will bring any emerging proposals for change to Government.