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

GSOC was established as a statutory independent body under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to provide independent oversight of complaints made against members of An Garda Síochána. It commenced operations on 9 May 2007, as Deputy Daly will be aware. The Garda Síochána Act stipulates that GSOC is independent in the exercise of its functions and I, as Minister, have no role in the processing of individual complaints which are referred for investigation. Indeed, it is this guarantee of independence, I would argue, which is the hallmark of effective oversight.

GSOC has an enormously important role to play in ensuring that public confidence in An Garda Síochána is safeguarded. The commission has extensive powers under the 2005 Act to enable it to carry out its responsibilities. It is important that we all respect the independence of bodies such as GSOC. It would be a travesty if, having established such bodies, this House was then to impinge on that independence. I have no doubt that all Members of the House would agree that it would not be appropriate for Deputies to second guess the commission regarding its investigations.

The House will be aware that there is a mechanism in the 2005 Act to inquire into the conduct of GSOC's designated officers. Arising out of the recent tragic death of Sergeant Michael Galvin, Mr. Justice Frank Clarke of the Supreme Court is carrying out such an inquiry. I will not comment further on that particular matter at this stage.

We recently enacted changes to the legislation to reform, strengthen and clarify the remit and operation of GSOC. This is a key element of our programme for Government. I do not know if Deputy Daly has read the annual report of GSOC which was published recently and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Deputy has made a lot of assumptions and allegations here today but it is very clear from the annual report that 2014 was a very busy and demanding year for GSOC. The commission received 11% more complaints and concluded 8% more cases in 2014 in comparison to 2013. These figures are a sign of greater operational efficiency, contrary to what Deputy Daly has said. It is quite clear from the annual report that GSOC is getting on with its work and is investigating complaints. The message coming from the report is generally positive about co-operation between An Garda Síochána and GSOC. Deputy Daly knows that An Garda Síochána, the Garda Commissioner and GSOC agreed protocols about the exchange of information between the two bodies and those protocols are being adhered to. The timeframes for introducing and giving information are now much shorter than in the past. The 2014 report acknowledges "marked improvements" in efficiency, dialogue and co-operation with An Garda Síochána which the commission hopes will continue in 2015.

The Government is currently seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons for the post of Chairperson of GSOC.

The Government remains committed to implementing a programme of reform in the area of policing and justice, an issue in which I know that the Deputy has a deep interest. I will continue to be fully supportive of GSOC, as I have shown by the increase in funding and the recruitment of staff to carry out its investigations. All of that work is ongoing.

I replied on the two cases raised by Deputy Mick Wallace previously in the House. While it is not appropriate for me to go into individual details, I outlined the actions that were being taken in both cases. I do not know if Deputy Clare Daly is referring to one of these cases, but I clearly outlined in broad terms what was happening in both cases.

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