Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The Government has addressed all the statutory issues raised in the Morris reports. Some amendments were published by the Minister last night in response to the issues raised in the Morris reports. There is no excuse for further delay — now is the time for action.

The proposals in the Garda Síochána Bill reflect the outcome of a thorough process of review and consultation. The Bill sets out a new accountability structure for the force. It will establish an independent ombudsman commission and a Garda inspectorate. The ombudsman commission will be very different from the existing Garda Síochána Complaints Board. Its powers will be modelled on those of the Police Ombudsman in Northern Ireland.

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