Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 14 May 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

Garda Oversight: Discussion

12:20 pm

Mr. John Devitt:

Given that the Oireachtas is sovereign, it could decide for itself, based on legislation, the terms of reference for any oversight of intelligence functions. I presume the Deputy refers to intelligence functions within the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. It could be established as a sub-committee of this committee with very specific, defined terms of reference. As the committee has its Standing Orders and rules, there would be no need for enhanced rules or procedures to prevent the disclosure of information shared with the committee.