Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
931. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice the number of members of An Garda Síochána who are suspended at present due to alleged unproven offences, by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12575/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business by law. This includes Garda discipline. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions, including decisions related to the suspension of Garda members.
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.
It is important to note that the vast majority of Garda members serve with integrity and distinction.
As stated by the Commissioner and his team at the recent public meeting with the Policing Authority, there are currently 99 Garda members suspended, the lowest it has been in almost two years. There was a 40% reduction in the number of suspensions in 2023 compared to 2022 and no new suspensions imposed so far this year, up to 29 February 2024.
As the Deputy will appreciate, as the number of members suspended is so low, a breakdown by Division or Region is not possible for data protection reasons.
I understand that there is some frustration among Garda members in relation to the amount of time members may be suspended while under investigation from GSOC.
Under the Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2024, a reformed police complaints body and system will be put in place. It will be called Fiosrú – Oifig an Ombudsman Póilíneachta (the new Office of the Police Ombudsman). Fiosrú is being established to replace GSOC and reformed processes and procedures will be put in place relating to the handling of complaints and the conduct of investigations into allegations of wrong doing on the part of members of Garda personnel.
The changes will greatly strengthen the existing mechanisms for Garda accountability, enhance transparency and improve the efficiency of the complaints process, while ensuring that there is no compromise to the rights of those involved to fair procedures and natural justice.
