Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Let me be clear, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Government accept the findings of the report and will act on them. Last year, following the publication of the first report of the Morris tribunal, the Government dismissed a Garda superintendent. Another superintendent and a chief superintendent retired. The Garda Commissioner dismissed a number of members of garda rank. As the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform said yesterday, the Government and the commissioner will now urgently consider the implications of the findings of this report for individuals.

As the Minister also made clear, the response to this report must go far beyond the implications for individual members. Substantial reform is required and that is what is before this House in the Garda Síochána Bill, which I am glad to see passed Committee Stage last night. The Bill provides for the establishment of the Garda Síochána ombudsman commission to independently investigate complaints against members of the force. It also establishes a Garda Síochána inspectorate to examine and report on the effectiveness and efficiency of the force on an ongoing basis, a provision was introduced to the Bill in response to the first report of the Morris tribunal.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform strongly believes the establishment of these two bodies, together with the general reform in the Bill of the Garda Síochána and its relationship with Government, will transform the system of accountability and oversight of the force. He has also appointed a committee, chaired by Senator Maurice Hayes, to oversee the implementation of the Bill as soon as it is enacted. He will also bring forward an amendment to the Bill to require gardaí to account for their actions as members of the force. This new duty has been identified as vital by the tribunal and the proposed amendment to the Garda Bill will be a key response to its findings and recommendations. The Garda Commissioner will shortly outline a comprehensive package of management reform within the Garda Síochána in response to the first report of the tribunal.

As the Minister said clearly yesterday on publishing this report, we have all been let down badly by the behaviour of a number of gardaí of different ranks in Donegal. The majority of men and women in the Garda Síochána, who have given and continue to give loyal and dedicated service to the State, will be particularly shocked and disappointed. The Minister also pointed out that it was only last week that we were reminded again of the dangers gardaí face in trying to protect the community, a situation in stark contrast to what is contained in this report from Mr. Justice Morris.

It is difficult to overstate the disservice done to the ordinary decent members of the Garda Síochána by the shocking misconduct outlined in this report. The House will have the opportunity later this month to have a full debate on it and the Minister will outline his comprehensive response to this deeply troubling report.

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