Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response. The reforms to GSOC contained in the policing, security and community safety Bill were dealt with extensively during pre-legislative scrutiny. The proposed reforms were criticised by many stakeholders in the committee. Some criticised the reforms for giving GSOC too many powers, and others criticised them for not giving it enough powers. I ask the Minister for her initial thoughts on the proposed reforms. The sustained increase in the caseload has also been highlighted as an issue. We in Sinn Féin believe it is important to get police accountability right. I think we can all accept the Six Counties jurisdiction has a lot to teach us on the matter.

The powers of the ombudsman in the Bill do not exceed those necessary to conduct effective investigations of the police. I welcome what the Minister has said about members of An Garda Síochána no longer investigating other members of the organisation. It is a basic principle that members of the police service should not be investigating themselves. I note the work the Garda Commissioner has done with the anti-corruption unit. At the same time, there is a resourcing issue. That has been commented on by people within GSOC. I hope that will be dealt with by Government. There is also an ongoing lack of co-operation or collaboration on the part of middle management of An Garda Síochána. Does the Minister accept the principle of independent investigation is important? Will she ensure the resources will be put in place to deal with that?

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