Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
456. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the timeline for the establishment of an independent examiner of security legislation following the enactment of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2023. [17877/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 was signed into law by the President in February 2024. Part 7 of the Act provides for the establishment of an Independent Examiner of Security Legislation.
The establishment of an Independent Examiner was a key recommendation of Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, which recognised that responsibility for the security of the State did not rest solely with An Garda Síochána.
The Independent Examiner is an entirely new role and represents a significant development in enhancing independent oversight by reviewing the use of legal powers in the area of security, the delivery of security services and the effectiveness of our national legislation.
The primary function of the Independent Examiner will be to examine and keep under review the operation of legislation relating to the security of the State and the prevention and investigation of terrorism.
It is intended that the Independent Examiner, in carrying out their functions, will help promote public confidence in national security measures by assessing whether security legislation is necessary, proportionate and effective in protecting the security of the State while containing the appropriate human rights safeguards.
An implementation programme for the Act is in place in my Department and the implementation team, in conjunction with key partners, are working intensively on commencement readiness measures. I expect to be in a position to commence the relevant provisions of the Act over the coming months.
