Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think it indicates that the work of GSOC is becoming well known as is the procedure and process by which complaints can be made. One of the issues I have been pursuing with both An Garda Síochána and GSOC, is whether a mechanism could be developed - which both sides would like to see - but we have not come up with a mechanism yet. Every complaint is serious but I have raised with the representative associations a proposal for a more informal resolution process of some of the less serious complaints. I think it is recognised both nationally and internationally, that some complaints will turn into formal complaints that could be dealt with in a more procedural way at an earlier stage. We do not have that process in place. There has been some discussion with both sides as to how it might be developed. The Garda Síochána point of view is that it is very keen to preserve the integrity of the process and that members will not be asked to resolve something informally where there might be a question of the garda's behaviour. They would not wish an informal process to cast doubt on the integrity of a garda or his or her behaviour. GSOC is very keen to have this process as the commission believes it would be a much more efficient and effective way of managing complaints. This remains under discussion. In reply to Deputy Finian McGrath, it is a good sign that the public is aware that GSOC exists.

Equally, there might be quite a number of complaints that would be capable of perhaps more informal resolution. That is a matter that I will be pursuing.