Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The findings of the sixth report of the Morris tribunal are disturbing not only for the public but for the overwhelming majority of members of the Garda Síochána who are conscientious and honourable and who have been badly let down by some of their colleagues. It finds that a number of persons were unlawfully arrested and detained and that some were mistreated in custody through verbal and, in some cases, physical abuse. This followed directly or indirectly from the investigation into the death of Mr. Richard Barron in Donegal in 1996, which itself was dealt with comprehensively in the tribunal's second report published in June 2005.

The reports of the Morris tribunal have influenced greatly the policy changes underpinning the Garda Síochána Act 2005, a comprehensive reform of the law relating to the Garda Síochána. Among other things, the Act established the Garda Ombudsman Commission, put in place new and more streamlined discipline regulations, imposed a statutory duty on members to account for their actions while on duty and reformed the system of Garda promotions. If these measures had been in place in the late 1990s, there might never have been a need for the Morris tribunal.

It is difficult to find any comfort in the report but I am heartened that it found to be false a claim that conversations between solicitors and persons detained in Letterkenny Garda station were secretly recorded by members of the Garda Síochána.The Garda Commissioner has unambiguously apologised to those found by the tribunal to have been mistreated. He is now examining the latest report carefully with a view to addressing the findings as they relate to individual members.

Looking ahead, the report makes a number of recommendations arising from its findings, mainly centred on how improvements could be made to the law and practice relating to the conduct of interviews with persons in Garda custody but also touching on other aspects of Garda investigations. I will consider these recommendations carefully and I will consult with the Garda Commissioner on emerging proposals for change. We should also be mindful that the tribunal's two final reports are due to be submitted soon, perhaps as early as next month. Members will then have an opportunity to debate all of the reports' findings and recommendations.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

This will complete the substantive work of the tribunal. Mr. Justice Morris and his team deserve the appreciation of this House for this achievement. They have exposed the truth of what happened in Donegal in the 1990s and their findings and recommendations which have been the inspiration for comprehensive reform of the Garda Síochána will serve the force and the people well into the future.

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