Dáil debates

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Topical Issue Debate

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission

4:50 pm

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response. I do not believe it tenable that the current GSOC commissioners remain in office, nor is it acceptable that the matter of the leak now be abandoned on the basis of the failed investigation. The possibility of further such leaks could seriously undermine current or future investigations into alleged Garda misconduct. The leaking of information of a confidential nature from GSOC is a criminal offence under the Garda Síochána Acts. Just as it is not acceptable that the Garda Síochána investigates itself, it is not adequate that GSOC now simply washes its hands of this matter. Action is required to restore GSOC's public credibility.

It is also not acceptable that the report furnished by GSOC to the Minister remain unpublished or that it be edited into incoherence before publication. I appreciate the Minister's wish that matters be as transparent as possible but that may not prove possible if it is left under the remit of GSOC and I, personally, would not have confidence in the manner in which it is approaching this matter. There should be full transparency and accountability and the report should be published in full. That is in the public interest, although I recognise that there are some who would prefer that this affair simply die a death and the controversy be not revisited.

Having regard to the damage done to GSOC's credibility, the extent to which that may taint any future investigations and reports, the risk of further leaks, the inordinate amount of Cabinet, Dáil and Oireachtas committee time spent on these matters and the media frenzy spawned by them, leaving matters as they are should not be acceptable to any Member of this House. It is also not acceptable to do so in the context of the additional powers being conferred on GSOC by new legislation. What Members of the House should require is that there is full transparency with regard to the investigation conducted, that the report in as detailed a fashion as possible be published and that whatever steps are required or necessary be taken to restore public confidence in GSOC and the credibility of those in a leadership position within GSOC.

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