Results 1-14 of 14 for gsoc speaker:Finian McGrath

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Appointment of Member of Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Motion: Minister for Justice and Equality (15 Jul 2015)

Finian McGrath: ...trust are key issues. I agree that independence is the cornerstone of the commission. This must be part of the deal, otherwise trust and confidence will not be achieved. The Minister said that GSOC received 11% more complaints in 2014 over 2013 and concluded 8% more cases in 2014 compared with 2013. Does this not indicate that the situation is getting worse?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Appointment of Member of Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Motion: Minister for Justice and Equality (15 Jul 2015)

Finian McGrath: ...Minister said there was a marked improvement in efficiency, dialogue and co-operation with An Garda Síochána. Some of the complaints that end up with the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, should be handled elsewhere as they are not on the serious side of the spectrum. Is the Minister confident that there will be better dialogue and co-operation with the...

Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Síochána (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (28 Jan 2015)

Finian McGrath: I support this amendment because it is important that we strengthen the independence of GSOC. I strongly support the principle of holding the Garda Commissioner to account. In light of the incidents of the last 15 months, accountability, trust and confidence have to be restored in the Garda. All of us want it to be a quality service that is accountable to the people of this country....

Garda Síochána (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2014: Second Stage (21 Oct 2014)

Finian McGrath: ...fashioned public service is the way forward. When we look at this legislation, that is what we must think of constantly. The Bill seeks to expand the powers of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC. This includes surveillance powers for criminal investigations and allowing GSOC to investigate the Garda Commissioner - with the consent of the Minister for Justice and...

Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage [Private Members] (3 Oct 2014)

Finian McGrath: .... We saw the shenanigans of Deputy Alan Shatter as Minister, the whistleblowers and many other things that have been very nasty indeed. The important thing here is to ensure that political reform matches Garda reform. I support strongly the provisions in the Bill which empower GSOC to enquire into the policies, procedures and practices adopted by the Garda and to allow it to review,...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Complaints Procedures (17 Jun 2014)

Finian McGrath: 602. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a complaint to GSOC in respect of a family (details supplied) in Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26110/14]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight: Discussion (Resumed) (28 May 2014)

Finian McGrath: Yes. I will go back to Ms O'Loan. She stated: "GSOC cannot currently investigate complaints or allegations against the Commissioner." Is she saying that if it does not happen, the new legislation will be ineffective?

Guerin Report: Statements (15 May 2014)

Finian McGrath: ...that must be dealt with. New approaches are also required to deal with serious complaints. The Garda Commissioner must become subject to oversight. Currently, the Act states that "a member of the Garda Síochána" does not include the Garda Commissioner and therefore that officeholder is outside the remit of GSOC. I strongly support the belief that effective oversight of...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight: Discussion (14 May 2014)

Finian McGrath: Let me move on to Mr. Simon O’Brien and GSOC. With regard to Mr. O’Brien’s third proposal, he said he would like to see the Garda Commissioner becoming subject to independent oversight and that the legislation should be changed to allow for that. How would he go about that?

Allegations in relation to An Garda Síochána: Statements (Resumed) (26 Feb 2014)

Finian McGrath: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak in this urgent debate regarding allegations relating to An Garda Síochána, the role of the Minister for Justice and Equality and the GSOC issue. The Minister still does not get it. Sergeant McCabe's name was dragged through the mud; John Wilson, another whistleblower, was forced to leave his job; Deputy Clare Daly was...

Protected Disclosures Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Feb 2014)

Finian McGrath: ...a public body or private company can deter wrongdoing. It can pick up potential problems in the system early. The recent scandal around the bugging of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, shows that picking up a problem early often stops it getting out of control. It enables critical information to get to the people who need to know and can address the issue. It...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Domestic and Sexual Violence: Discussion (19 Feb 2014)

Finian McGrath: It could be GSOC.

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission: Motion [Private Members] (18 Feb 2014)

Finian McGrath: I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in this important debate on the urgent need for an independent inquiry into what has been taking place in recent days in regard to GSOC, the Garda and Minister for Justice and Equality. I support this motion because I have always believed in good quality public service and the urgent need to have an independent statutory body to provide independent...

Reports of Unlawful Surveillance of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission: Statements (11 Feb 2014)

Finian McGrath: ...all public service organisations, the Minister and the Government. I say to those opposite to be fair and honest. If they cannot honour those principles, they should not remain in government. The Minister stated that the GSOC has concluded that no definitive evidence of unauthorised technical or electronic surveillance of its offices was found. Was there authorised surveillance? I ask...