Results 1-20 of 145 for gsoc speaker:Alan Shatter

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Judicial Investigations (23 Sep 2014)

Alan Shatter: ...To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the fees payable to Mr Justice Cooke for work undertaken by him with regard to the completion of the Cooke report into the alleged Garda surveillance of GSOC; and the moneys paid to him to-date. [35521/14]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Expenditure (23 Sep 2014)

Alan Shatter: 280. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when she was first informed that GSOC had instructed solicitors to represent them in their dealings with persons (details supplied); and by whom she was so informed. [35523/14]

Topical Issue Debate: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (17 Sep 2014)

Alan Shatter: I thank the Minister for her response. I do not believe it tenable that the current GSOC commissioners remain in office, nor is it acceptable that the matter of the leak now be abandoned on the basis of the failed investigation. The possibility of further such leaks could seriously undermine current or future investigations into alleged Garda misconduct. The leaking of information of a...

Topical Issue Debate: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (17 Sep 2014)

Alan Shatter: Last week, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, or GSOC, stated that its investigation into an alleged leak from its offices, which gave rise to substantial controversy earlier this year, was unsuccessful and that its report on the investigation will not be published. From the start of this affair, GSOC has sought to cover up and keep secret a disturbing level of incompetence...

Cooke Report: Statements (19 Jun 2014)

Alan Shatter: I welcome publication of the Cooke report and the careful and detailed consideration given by retired High Court judge John Cooke into reports of unlawful surveillance of GSOC's offices. These matters, of course, first came to public notice in a revelation in an article in The Sunday Timesof 9 February 2014. I welcome Mr. Justice Cooke's finding that the article contains misinformation and...

Other Questions: Corrib Gas Field (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: It is open to GSOC to determine whether it should investigate a complaint or use the mechanisms provided under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to ask that a designated officer of An Garda Síochána investigate the complaint. This is a matter on which GSOC, as an independent investigative oversight authority, makes decisions. It is not for me to interfere in its independent...

Other Questions: Corrib Gas Field (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: GSOC makes those decisions. In the context of the review of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, there are a range of worthwhile reforms which could be made regarding statutory revisions in respect of GSOC. It was created under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and we have almost nine years of experience of GSOC's operations. I look forward with expectation...

Other Questions: Corrib Gas Field (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: I have a final important comment. When GSOC receives the result of an investigation, that is not the end of the matter. It is open to GSOC, under statutory provisions, to request that a matter be further examined or to raise issues regarding the outcome of any such investigation. It is not that GSOC gets a result and it is the end of the matter.

Other Questions: Corrib Gas Field (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: GSOC exercises an oversight of those investigations, which is frequently forgotten in the context of this issue.

Other Questions: Corrib Gas Field (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: ...as of a regular nature. I missed it over the couple of weeks of the Easter break. There is always an onslaught, drama and allegations about all sorts of things. However, his onslaught about GSOC is extraordinary considering Deputies Wallace and Clare Daly delivered to my Department last October a series of complaints against 24 individuals, mostly concerning the manner in which GSOC had...

Other Questions: Corrib Gas Field (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: Let the Deputy not accuse me in this House of undermining GSOC when he is running around the place with a series of complaints about the manner in which GSOC has dealt with complaints. Let us have some honesty about these issues.

Other Questions: Corrib Gas Field (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: On the specific question the two Deputies raised, GSOC has investigated approximately 124 complaints against members of the force arising from the policing of the Shell to sea protest. Of these complaints, GSOC deemed 37 to be inadmissible. That left 87 admissible cases of which 85 are closed. The following is a breakdown of 57 complaints directly linked to the Shell to sea protest. There...

Other Questions: Corrib Gas Field (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: ...share his opinions on various issues. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 sets out the various mechanisms that are available to examine or inquire into malpractice in the Garda. As the Deputy knows, GSOC can initiate an investigation of a general nature if it considers it appropriate to do so. As I have indicated to the Deputy previously, the Garda has passed the allegations relating...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Extradition Arrangements (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: ...legal advice that is furnished to me. I am also conscious, as the Deputy is aware, that matters relating to the manner in which An Garda Síochána dealt with issues concerning Mr. Bailey are before GSOC, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. There are also civil proceedings, taken by Mr. Bailey, currently before the courts. Accordingly, I cannot say anything in...

Other Questions: Corrib Gas Field (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: ...in place is to prevent public order offences and to ensure people can go about their lawful business. Regarding my powers under section 106 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, I must point out that GSOC has investigated 124 complaints against members of the force arising from policing at this location and that other matters remain under investigation by it. The Deputy may wish to...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Operations (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: ...deliberations of the Cabinet committee on justice dealing with the police authority, the deliberations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality dealing with matters relating to GSOC and the deliberations being undertaken pursuant to the Haddington Road agreement on the structure and operation of An Garda Síochána, incorporating any required reforms in a...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Commissions of Investigation (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: ...Síochána Ombudsman Commission and the Garda Síochána, and more widely for public confidence in the enforcement of law, of the ongoing controversy relating to reports of unlawful surveillance of GSOC. The Government subsequently appointed retired High Court judge, Mr. Justice John Cooke, to conduct an independent inquiry into this matter. The terms of reference for the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Commissions of Investigation (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: ...may have been subject to unlawful surveillance, I undertook to see if I could provide the Committee with any details of the main points of potential difference between the Verrimus report provided by GSOC and the related expert opinion by RITS provided to my Department. As I explained at the hearing, and in a subsequent letter to the Committee of 11 March, 2014, I am very conscious that...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Staff (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: ...Ombudsman Commission that their current whole time equivalent staffing level is 75.6. This figure does not include the three members of the Commission or members of the Garda Síochána on secondment with GSOC. As with the Public Service generally, GSOC has been subject to staffing constraints, and has had to prioritise work and manage resources with maximum efficiency....

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Misconduct Allegations (30 Apr 2014)

Alan Shatter: ...arising from policing at this location and that other matters remain under investigation by it. The Deputy may wish to note, however, that in excess of 100 of these complaints have either been found by GSOC to be inadmissible or not to have disclosed breaches of discipline on the part of the members complained of, and that those that did indicate a breach of discipline on the part of the...