Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

While I definitely agree with the last speaker, it is no harm to have an investigation undertaken by a retired High Court judge. It is the one way to put this whole matter to bed. It is important that the standing of GSOC and the Garda stay as high as possible. It is so important for the country to have full confidence in the Garda and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. For that reason, the work of Judge Cooke will be very useful. When he carries out his investigation, I hope nothing of substance will emerges, but I welcome what he will do in that regard.

Since the foundation of the State, gardaí have been seen as the guardians of the people. Even though there have been blemishes in their record during the years - for example, in the Donegal cases that led to the Morris tribunal - the vast bulk of gardaí have done an honest day's work. They have had to take their courage in their hands on many occasions to stand up for the rights of the people. It is important that they do their work and are seen to do it well. Given the nature of the GSOC organisation, it is equally important that it is seen to be independent and able to operate without interference. For these reasons, I welcome the move by the Minister for Justice and Equality.

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