Clare Daly
Ceist:394. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 348 and 349 of 24 February 2015, if she will provide the information sought. [14750/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 15 April 2015
Ceisteanna (394)
Freagraí scríofa
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that on 1 November, 2014 a total of 29 members of An Garda Síochána were suspended comprising one Inspector; three Sergeants; 24 Gardaí and one Reserve Garda. 24 members were the subject of investigation pursuant to the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations, 2007, as amended, and the remaining five were the subject of investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.
An investigation pursuant to the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations, 2007, as amended, is commenced in circumstances where it appears that a member may be in breach of discipline and subject to one of the disciplinary actions at Regulation 14(3) or Regulation 22.
While an investigation pursuant to the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations, 2007, as amended, may arise from circumstances relating to an incident of criminality, breaches of discipline are not criminal offences. Specified breaches of the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations, 2007, as amended, are provided for at Schedule 5 to the Regulations and include, inter alia, Discreditable Conduct; Discourtesy; Misconduct; Neglect of Duty, Falsehood or prevarication; Breach of Confidence; Abuse of Authority; Neglect of Health; Untidiness; prohibited spare-time activities; intoxication; Drinking on duty; Failure to comply with a lawful instruction; Criminal Conduct; corrupt or improper practices; misuse of money.
As advised, 24 members are under investigation pursuant to the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations, 2007, as amended and it is not possible, at this time in that investigation process, to identify what, if any, breach(es) of discipline these members may, or may not, be found in breach of, as the purpose of these investigations is to establish what, if any breach(es) of discipline may have been committed.
Similarly, in relation to the five members under investigation by GSOC, it is not possible to anticipate the outcome of these investigations.