I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 127 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is an independent oversight body under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. I, as Minister, have no role or function in the processing or management of complaints which are made to GSOC for investigation.
The Deputy may wish to note that the information sought is set out in the GSOC annual reports 2017 to 2020.
The table below sets out the number of complaints and allegations received by GSOC in each of the years 2017 to 2020, as well as the number of criminal investigations opened as a result of those complaints. I am advised by GSOC that a complaint may contain more than one allegation.
Year
|
Number of complaints, allegations and criminal investigations
|
2020
|
A total of 1,955 complaints were opened in 2020 containing 3,089 allegations. As a result of the complaints received, 572 criminal investigations were opened in 2020.
|
2019
|
A total of 1,756 complaints were opened in 2019 containing 2,885 allegations.As a result of the complaints received, 485 criminal investigations were opened in 2019.
|
2018
|
A total of 1,921 complaints were opened in 2018 containing 2,944 allegations.As a result of the complaints received, 415 criminal investigations were opened in 2018.
|
2017
|
A total of 1,949 complaints were opened in 2017 containing 4,459 allegations.As a result of the complaints received, 422 criminal investigations were opened in 2017.
|