Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their contributions and their good wishes for Judge MacCabe. I wish to touch on a number of points that have been raised. We all recognise the vital role that GSOC plays in oversight. We all acknowledge that the vast majority of people working with An Garda Síochána do exceptional work in protecting us and keeping our communities safe. The vast majority of people believe that as well. We have seen just how connected members of An Garda Síochána are with our communities, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. We support that, but obviously, nobody is perfect. We know that there has to be a level of independent oversight. Of course, we need to make sure that GSOC is properly resourced. That is a priority for this Government. I will put a few figures on the record of the House. Despite a 20% increase in complaints that were received during the first three quarters of this year, compared to last year, plus a 10% year-on-year increase in criminal investigations, GSOC has broadly met its commitments and timeframes in responding to queries and issues that have come to it. The latest figures indicate that as of October, all complaints that were received by GSOC were responded to in a day. All calls that were made were answered within 60 seconds. I know that not all of the calls were responded to in the time that we would like, but often, we only hear about where there are problems, not where a lot of these complaints are dealt within in the timeframe necessary.

We need to continue to increase the budget. Looking at this year alone, €11.27 million was provided. Next year, it will be €13.4 million, which is an increase of almost 20%. Of course, we will continue to provide more resources where they are required. There is provision for three commissioners, but, as Deputy Howlin mentioned, we are bringing forward a community safety and policing Bill to the House. There is a very clear direction for GSOC in overhauling the investigation procedures to support timely and effective resolution of complaints, expanding the remit of GSOC and replacing the current three-person commission with an ombudsman and deputy ombudsman, reinforcing its independence. Training was mentioned. I am of the firm belief that An Garda Síochána should always receive continuous ongoing training. That should be no different for GSOC and those who are tasked with the oversight of An Garda Síochána. It is something that we would like to see as part of the overall legislation.

A number of Deputies mentioned the Shane O'Farrell case. I appreciate that the scoping inquiry is going on much longer than anybody would like and, in particular, his family.

I will outline where we are at present. While this is an independent scoping exercise, we are in constant contact with Judge Gerard Haughton. We have offered any support he needs while allowing him to do his work independently. The stage it is at now is that the judge has asked for various sections of the reporting parties named, including the Department, to come back to the latest round of questions he has asked. The Department has responded to him. That request has been sent back. I understand he has been in contact with the O'Farrell family throughout all of this and has offered them the same opportunity to come back on some of what I hope are the final points. Based on the information I have been given, he should be in a position to finalise his report once he has the final pieces of information on the particular points.

I know I am being vague but I do not have sight of the points on which he is asking questions and the type of responses he is seeking. It is my understanding that once he receives all of these he will be in a position to respond. I reassure Deputies that nobody is stalling. I really want to see this concluded as quickly as possible so we can act on whatever recommendations and points are made in the report. What is most important is that his family can take account of it and we can move forward in some way together.

I thank Deputies for their support for this recent appointment. I hear all of the points that have been made with regard to making sure GSOC is independent and has the support its needs and that it can do its work effectively. We are committed to this. I look forward to engaging with Deputies in the year ahead on any restructuring or change. I know we will have lots to discuss in the year ahead.

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