Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 2:

In page 3, between lines 14 and 15, to insert the following:"2. Section 67(2) of the Principal Act is amended by the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph (h):

"(i) to hold the Garda Commissioner responsible, in his capacity as the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána but not in his capacity as head of national security, for the operations of An Garda Síochána.".".

We discussed this matter on Committee Stage in the committee rooms. I restate the reason we submitted this proposal. To strengthen and uphold the independence of GSOC in carrying out the oversight function with which it is charged under the legislation, it is very important that the holder of the office of Garda Commissioner is held accountable to the same degree as every other member of An Garda Síochána. There is no point in having the head of an organisation who is not accountable to GSOC subject to the input of the Minister of the day. The essence of the amendment is to hold the Commissioner to the same degree of scrutiny as every rank and file member of An Garda Síochána.

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