Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I find the letter from the Department of Justice interesting. It reiterates GSOC's mission to provide efficient, fair and independent oversight. Any of us who have had engagement with people going through the GSOC process could not appropriate the word "efficient" to the process. It can be very long and drawn out. I would argue that in many cases the GSOC process is used by the Department to avoid having to answer questions. While it is in the process of GSOC, Ministers, the Garda and the Department all refuse to address issues. It was particularly frustrating when GSOC was dealing with the Shane O'Farrell case.

I know GSOC is in our work plan. There have been revelations that GSOC has written to 400 people to state their investigations will be impacted. We will take this to mean they will be delayed as a result of what is essentially unofficial strike action by senior gardaí. It is important that we get an appraisal from GSOC as to the specific implications this will have on its workload and timelines. Can we ask GSOC to respond to the Department's letter on whether it is satisfied that it has the necessary resources to carry out its work efficiently? The following is at the Chair's discretion. Do we have the competency to write to An Garda Síochána to get a response to the suggestion that the actions of some of its members are delaying the work of GSOC?