Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Exactly. The Garda Síochána Act put in place a radically different approach to accountability from that found by Mr. Justice Morris when he conducted his inquiries into events in County Donegal. Apart from individual accountability and remedies and new disciplinary procedures, the Act also provides for the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. Ample inquiries have been made in the case under discussion.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission will be a very significant countervailing force. However, if we invest members of the Garda Síochána with these very significant powers, which they must have in a sophisticated society, there is a correlative obligation of responsibility, loyalty, truthfulness and ethical behaviour that must be upheld to the highest standards. The vast majority of gardaí understand and acknowledge this and feel betrayed when one or two of their number departs, as in this case, in such a spectacularly criminal way.

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