Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A Cheann Comhairle, you have been very clear on this. Deputy Martin has raised an important question about the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC. This is an essential and fundamental entity of our democratic system and it is very important the people have absolute confidence and faith in the integrity and the credibility of GSOC, no more than it is an important and fundamental element of our democracy that there be citizens' confidence in the Garda Síochána.

I note GSOC made a statement last night following the meeting between the chairman of the commission and the Minister for Justice and Equality. That statement said quite clearly that GSOC was satisfied that its databases were not compromised. It also made clear its view in respect of there being no evidence whatsoever of Garda misconduct. Finally, it explained to the Minister directly why this was not reported to the Minister for Justice and Equality by the commission and expressed regret for that decision. Clearly, the Garda Commissioner has responded with a number of questions that need to be answered from his perspective by GSOC.

The Government was briefed this morning by the Minister for Justice and Equality arising from the discussions with the GSOC chairman yesterday. The House is now aware of the statement issued by GSOC in which it outlines that it carried out an investigation into three technical and electronic anomalies which had been identified in a security sweep, which had not been triggered by any particular incident but which was part of a process of security sweeps. The Minister also briefed the Government this morning in respect of the statement issued by the Garda Commissioner, in which he expressed concern at any implication of Garda involvement in the matter. It is important to state that, in its statement, GSOC made it perfectly clear that there was no evidence of Garda misconduct. Indeed, the Minister for Justice and Equality has been advised, and briefed the Cabinet on it this morning, that it concluded there was no definitive evidence of unauthorised surveillance, either technical or electronic, of its offices.

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