Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
361. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí suspended from duty who have had their suspension lifted by the courts in each year since 2018 to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18990/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, disciplinary matters within An Garda Síochána are governed by the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007, as amended by the Garda Síochána (Discipline) (Amendment) Regulations 2011, and are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
The Garda Commissioner has sole responsibility and authority regarding the suspension of members of An Garda Síochána. The Courts do not have any role in the oversight of a member’s suspension, other than to rule on its lawfulness where proceedings are taken, and the Garda Commissioner is bound by the Court’s ruling in those instances.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that in the period from 2018 to date, one member has had their suspension lifted arising out of Court proceedings.
