Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Following from a Council of Europe programme in 1997 entitled, Policing & Human Rights, 1997-2000, the Garda Síochána established a human rights office and a human rights working group in 1999. The human rights working group, on behalf of the Garda Commissioner, commissioned Ionann Management Consultants to carry out a human rights audit of the Garda Síochána. This extensive work was conducted during 2003-04 and the audit has been finalised.

I take this opportunity to congratulate the Commissioner for commissioning the human rights audit and for publishing the audit which identifies certain significant shortcomings in respect of the force in an open and transparent manner. In response to the findings and recommendations of the consultants, the Commissioner is drafting a comprehensive Garda action plan to respond, in particular, to the shortcomings the report identified.

The action plan can be summed up by saying that it will put human rights to the fore in all aspects of the management and operation of the Garda Síochána. Assistant Commissioner, Nacie Rice, head of human resource management, has been given specific responsibility to monitor, oversee and ensure the implementation of all aspects of the report. I understand that at a recent management seminar at the Garda College in Templemore, senior officers at chief superintendent and commissioner rank received an extensive briefing on the audit and the action plan which will arise out of it.

The Garda Síochána Bill, which is before the House, places emphasis on the importance of upholding human rights in the performance by the Garda Síochána of its functions. The Bill also provides for a revised form of declaration for persons joining the force, which specifically refers to the need to have regard for human rights in carrying out policing duties. I have also made provision in this Bill for the establishment of a code of ethics for the Garda Síochána. The purpose of the code of ethics will be to lay down standards of conduct and practice for members.

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