Mr. Eugene Corcoran:

To put the matter in context, we noted the remarks of the commission and, in particular, the very fair remarks in its most recent annual report which set out that we had almost 94% compliance with the requests within the agreed protocol. There is a protocol in place between GSOC and the Garda on the time limits within which responses with information are expected. In 2015, the year of the report referred to, there were 335 such complaints. These represent the almost 94% compliance rate with the protocol. The remaining 6% represented some 21 cases. It is not the position that the 6% represented requests in respect of which nothing was done. There was partial compliance. They were not completed but they were substantially completed. We do, however, acknowledge that the timely provision of information is essential for GSOC and that continue to have a monthly dialogue in an attempt to improve that. I expect that with the dialogue, and in the future, we will have a greater understanding of what causes delays. Occasionally, the material sought can take a considerable time to gather. It may not be readily accessible. There may be other agencies, such as the Director of the Public Prosecutions, that require to be consulted on aspects of the complaint or it could be that the sheer volume of material sought requires time to gather. These are logistical issues that arise from time to time. In balancing those remarks, I accept the obvious advantage in any investigation of having the material sought at the earliest possible time and that is and remains a priority for the Garda.

The matter raised in respect of the service level complaints has been the subject of discussion between the Commission and the Garda for some considerable time. In the fullness of time we will participate in the review that might, and hopefully will, bring about improvements. We are, however, governed by the legislation. Under the current legislation, all complaints must go to GSOC. The appropriate amendments that eventually result from any review or consultation that takes place will bring about improvements in respect of that 20% of complaints to which the Deputy refers.