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

I have recently used section 109 of the legislation in response to a tragic recent case. This section, which had not been used previously, permits a Minister to order an investigation. It could potentially be used for the investigation of serious matters. If concerns were to arise about the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, members of the public would probably avail of a variety of mechanisms for making a complaint, including contacting the joint committee, the Minister or the Garda Commissioner. The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is an independent body and the question arises as to what routes people use in respect of independent bodies. Very often, people will take the court route.