Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Special Report and Annual Report 2012: Discussion with Garda Commissioner

4:05 pm

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Garda Commissioner, Mr. Martin Callinan, for taking the time to meet the committee today. The Commissioner is accompanied by Ms Noirín O'Sullivan, Deputy Commissioner; Mr. John O'Mahony, Assistant Commissioner; and Mr. Ken Ruane, head of legal affairs. I also understand that Mr. Andrew McLindon, director of communications, and Mr. David Taylor, Garda press officer are attending in a observatory capacity. The witnesses are all very welcome.

The purpose of the meeting today is to discuss the special report of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to the Minister for Justice and Equality issued pursuant to section 80(5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 in respect of issues concerning informant handling and issues arising from the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Annual Report for 2012. I remind everyone to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when in silent mode. Before commencing, I remind witnesses of the position on privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I now invite the Commissioner to make his opening statement.

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