Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are occasions on which there could be an overlap. The Garda Síochána Inspectorate’s role is effectively to examine how Garda operations work and whether changes, either structural or procedural, should be made. Its role is also to examine how better efficiencies can be effected in the context of the use of resources, both human and financial. There is a range of such issues. The Garda Síochána Inspectorate does not have a remit to deal with allegations of misconduct. However, in the context of its remit - some sight of this has been lost in recent days - the report of Assistant Commissioner O’Mahoney and the audit report produced by the Garda side dealing with the fixed charge ticket issue were deliberately referred by me to the Garda Síochána Inspectorate so it could consider the matter in all the relevant contexts. I expect very shortly to receive its report on that issue. The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission deals with allegations of misconduct made against members of the force. In dealing with issues of misconduct, when publishing a report it may comment on operational matters or procedural issues. There can be an overlap to some extent but there is a very distinct and different focus when something is sent to the inspectorate by comparison with the Garda Ombudsman.