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

I have made sure that if allegations arrive on my desk they are appropriately handled. I want to ensure that whistleblowers feel a confidence in coming forward and every action I have taken has been targeted at ensuring that whistleblowers in An Garda Síochána are dealt with appropriately and properly. The actions of the Garda Commissioner in working with Transparency Ireland and in implementing the new policy have been to ensure that whistleblowers feel supported if they come forward. Many challenges are facing An Garda Síochána and this and the last Government have taken steps to ensure bodies exist with independent responsibility to monitor, assess and discuss with An Garda Síochána the various issues which arise. That is why we set up an independent Garda authority, the first time we have ever had an independent authority responsible for oversight of the work of An Garda Síochána. Members of this House have consistently called for independent bodies to monitor the work of gardaí, to take account of the various initiatives in which they are involved and to look at policies and their implementation. We now have the Policing Authority and GSOC, which is responsible for investigating complaints. I will not take any actions that will cut across the work of the independent bodies that Members of this House sought.

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