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

As the Deputy is aware, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is an independent statutory body established in 2007 under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Its primary role is to provide independent investigation of complaints against members of An Garda Síochána, as required, and to undertake other investigations relating to the conduct of Garda members. This is vitally important work to uphold public confidence in An Garda Síochána and, rightly, GSOC is completely independent in the exercise of its functions. The Oireachtas legislated to ensure this independence, and to protect the organisation from any political interference in the investigations it must conduct without fear or favour but, of course, the ombudsman must always operate in accordance with the law. That independence is further strengthened in the new structures under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act, which will establish Fiosrú when it is commenced in the autumn. As Minister, I have no role in GSOC investigations, nor can I direct how GSOC officers exercise their functions in which they are, as I mentioned, subject to the law at all times.

I am aware of the media report that I assume the Deputy referred to in the question. Any person who feels that they have a case in law could have recourse to the courts; I want to be careful there. However, no individual has conveyed any information to me, and nothing that has been brought directly to my attention, which would form the basis for the establishment of an inquiry. If the Deputy or any individuals who made this matter public have any specific information that would support any allegations of wrongdoing on the part of GSOC, I would be very grateful to receive that information.

I assure the Deputy that GSOC, like other bodies permitted to access telecommunications data in very limited certain circumstances, is required to exercise its powers in accordance with the law. GSOC, which is chaired by a former judge of the High Court, has advised me and has stated very publicly that it operates at all times in accordance with the law in all of its operations.

See this speech in context