Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2013
539. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the length of time for cases to be dealt with by the Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24142/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra546. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is considering undertaking a review of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 in view of reports that there have been delays in information relevant to investigations being provided to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission by an Garda Síochána during the course of investigations carried out by the GSOC. [24156/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 539 and 546 together.
I regard full co-operation by the Garda Síochána with the Garda Ombudsman Commission as an extremely important issue. There are agreed protocols in place provided for under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which set down time limits for the provision of information by the Garda Síochána to the Ombudsman Commission, and I regard it as a matter of substantial importance that these protocols should be respected.
As Deputies will be aware, the Ombudsman Commission recently raised some concerns, in the context of a particular case, regarding delays in receiving information from the Garda Síochána. As I stated at the time, I have asked the Garda Commissioner for his observations on the findings of the Ombudsman Commission, particularly in relation to what they say about delays. When I have received these observations, I intend to convene a meeting with the Garda Commissioner and the Ombudsman Commission to make sure that any difficulties have been resolved. The issue of delays is also dealt with in the annual report of the Ombudsman Commission for 2012 which I will very shortly be laying before the House, and which will provide an opportunity for further discussion on its work.
