Results 61-80 of 315 for gsoc speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Misconduct Allegations (7 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...particular case was that I should take no further action. Certain matters arising from the tragic death in this case were already being investigated by Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). This arises in part from the fact that my predecessor had referred aspects of this particular case to GSOC. I understand that that investigation has not concluded. I should also...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Misconduct Allegations (7 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach. The recommendation made in this particular case was that I should refer the case to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) under the provisions of Section 102(5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended. Section 102(5) of this Act provides that I as Minister may, if I consider it desirable...

Committee Report on Garda Oversight and Accountability: Motion (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...to what has been a very balanced debate. I also take the opportunity, as Deputy Jim O'Callaghan did, to welcome Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring, with Mr. Toland and other representatives of GSOC. I thank them publicly for their work and leadership. As everyone has agreed, oversight and accountability are extremely important. Equally, members of An Garda Síochána have to be...

Committee Report on Garda Oversight and Accountability: Motion (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...to take credit for those achievements. The report addresses a number of specific issues related to An Garda Síochána itself and those other bodies that have a role in oversight, accountability and reform. I will say a few words on each aspect. GSOC has a very important role in ensuring public confidence in An Garda Síochána is safeguarded. It has extensive powers...

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I have made it very clear, as has the Taoiseach, that once I have the GSOC report, we will examine the situation once again.

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...investigation into the case would be completed before further decisions are made. Every time I have spoken on the matter in recent times I have made it clear that I and the Taoiseach would like to see the GSOC investigation completed as soon as possible. The Taoiseach said as much to the family. I am unsure when exactly it happened but I understand extra information was made available...

Other Questions: Commissions of Inquiry (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...review panel set up to examine cases. An independent process is under way in respect of many of the issues highlighted by Deputy Smith and the family. They are being actively examined by GSOC at present. Let me put it another way: I believe it is appropriate for me, as Minister for Justice and Equality, to wait for the outcome of that independent process before deciding on any next...

Other Questions: Protected Disclosures (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...the floor of the House is partial in nature. Neither the Deputy nor I have the full facts in respect of the situation she is describing. The body we have established to examine the full facts is GSOC. Meanwhile, we have stronger legislation. The Department of Justice and Equality and I, in our regular meetings with the Garda Commissioner, would have raised the issue of how...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Investigations (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...s question. We had a very long meeting with the family who have obviously been through a very traumatic time. The Taoiseach assured the family that when the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, investigation is completed, the question of what further action can be taken will be considered. As a result of that meeting and following certain issues being raised by the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Investigations (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...it was established as the independent prosecution authority in the State. Nobody is above the law. If anybody has evidence of wrongdoing, they should always bring it to attention. There is a GSOC investigation under way. The case was referred by my predecessor to GSOC and the investigation has not concluded. We would like to see that investigation concluded as soon as possible. We...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Investigations (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...body with independent lawyers assessing whether there were further actions that could be taken. They came back to me at that point and said there were not. Second, the case is being dealt with by GSOC. One of the reasons the case has gone on-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Investigations (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I will tell the Deputy why. New information has been given to GSOC over the course of the period. GSOC has to examine any new information that is brought before it. It is perfectly reasonable to wait for the conclusions of the report from GSOC and see what recommendations arise from it. As I said, I am open to considering further action at that point. I would prefer to get the report...

Other Questions: Protected Disclosures (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...changes in the way whistleblowers and protected disclosures can be addressed. There is the Protected Disclosures Act of 2014. Members of An Garda Síochána can now make disclosures to GSOC which has full statutory powers to examine them. There is also a new protected disclosure policy in An Garda Síochána. Recently, I referred the Garda policy on whistleblowing to the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Protected Disclosures (16 Dec 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...processes in place so that, for example, whistleblowing could be dealt with properly in various organisations where it arose. That is why we brought in protected disclosure legislation and set up GSOC for An Garda Síochána. We have those mechanisms in place. On the particular points the Deputy raised, I am sure the House will recognise I have particular difficulties talking...

Other Questions: Garda Misconduct Allegations (15 Nov 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is not a game. What I am doing is following proper procedures. The Deputy may be aware that following the referral by me to GSOC of certain allegations which arose following the O'Higgins commission report, the chairperson wrote to me seeking access to certain records of the commission. Having received the Attorney General's advice, I informed the chairperson of GSOC of the necessity to...

Other Questions: Garda Misconduct Allegations (15 Nov 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The reality is that due procedure is being followed. I have replied to GSOC. It will make its decision with regard to the next steps in terms of accessing the transcript but as the Deputy rightly said, I did refer some of the issues that arose following the O'Higgins commission of investigation to GSOC and I await the outcome of that, but it is not a game. It is following due procedures.

Other Questions: Garda Misconduct Allegations (15 Nov 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: -----and that is what I have done. I am saying to the Deputy that I have referred the various issues that arose to GSOC. I have said previously that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the purported transcripts leaked from the O'Higgins commission. For the reasons I have explained, I do not have access to the details of all that happened at the commission, and neither does the...

Other Questions: Garda Misconduct Allegations (15 Nov 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...the Deputy that I have not examined the transcripts of the O'Higgins commission. Information not given on the floor of the House The Deputy may also be aware that, following the referral by me to GSOC of certain allegations which arose following the publication of the O'Higgins commission report, the chairperson of GSOC wrote to me seeking access to certain records of the commission....

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Protected Disclosures (15 Nov 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...then Government's comprehensive approach to enhancing the protections available to whistleblowers, including members of the Garda Síochána. Under the Act, the Garda Síochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is now the prescribed body authorised to receive protected disclosures on Garda matters. Accordingly, members of the Garda Síochána may communicate their...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Protected Disclosures (15 Nov 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: ...then Government's comprehensive approach to enhancing the protections available to whistleblowers, including members of the Garda Síochána. Under the Act, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is now the prescribed body authorised to receive protected disclosures on Garda matters. Accordingly, members of the Garda Síochána may communicate their...