Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My Department had been advised by the Garda Services Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, that issues had arisen last year in obtaining some information from An Garda Síochána related to the investigation of a complaint. It has been further advised, however, that the issue has been resolved and that all relevant documentation requested by the ombudsman has been provided. I understand the complaint remains under investigation by GSOC.

I have been further advised that a second complaint was admitted by GSOC in March 2014 for investigation by GSOC personnel pursuant to section 98 of the Garda Síochana Act 2005. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 established GSOC to receive complaints from members of the public concerning the conduct of members of An Garda Síochána. The Act stipulates that GSOC is independent in the exercise of its functions and I do not have a role in the processing of individual complaints which are referred to it for investigation.

As with the Deputy, I regard full co-operation by An Garda Síochána with the Garda Services Ombudsman Commission as extremely important. It is a matter in respect of which everyone has work to do. As the House has previously been informed, revised protocols were agreed and signed by the chairperson of GSOC and the Garda Commissioner on 23 September 2013 to ensure the highest possible level of co-operation between the two organisations. I met representatives of GSOC yesterday and had a long meeting to discuss the protocols and other issues. Progress is being made. I have also agreed that new legislation should be introduced regarding GSOC and I hope to introduce it in the House before the summer recess with the co-operation of the Deputy and Deputy Niall Collins.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

More recently, in response to the findings made in the Cooke report, the Government has agreed that the proposed new Bill to reform the workings of GSOC will further clarify and strengthen the provisions relating to the preparation and implementation of protocols relating to co-operation between gardaí and GSOC. Once the Bill is enacted, compliance by gardaí and GSOC with agreed protocols will be obligatory under statute. It is my intention to publish the Bill shortly with a view to consideration by the Oireachtas before the end of this term.

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