Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the area of admissibility, the time factor, which will be the subject of subsequent amendments, is clearly a major issue. The slight change proposed in this area is not sufficient. In serious cases where criminal matters may be at stake, the period of admissibility should be extended to two years.

Members of the public do not have sufficient confidence to confront the Garda Síochána, even through the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. It takes courage to make a complaint about a garda and many people do not know what gardaí may and may not do in their interactions with the public. Much greater clarity is needed in this area.

It is frightening to note the large number of people who, having shown the courage to take a case to GSOC, find that their case is not admissible for various reasons, of which the time factor is the principal one. People who experience a problem with the Garda often expect the issue to be resolved and believe they will get justice. When it transpires that no progress has been made in resolving their problem they subsequently decide to complain to someone in authority and they often find that their complaint is not admissible because of the time that has elapsed. The period within which a complaint must be made should be extended from six to 12 months. I am not sure one year is even sufficient given the difficulty people experience in getting organised and mustering the courage to take a stand. Increasing public confidence in the system will require the Minister to make it less difficult for members of the public to approach GSOC and make it easier to have a case ruled admissible.

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