Results 41-55 of 55 for gsoc speaker:Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight and Accountability: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (28 Feb 2018)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: In a general sense, how many cases that are received are brought to a conclusion per annum as far as GSOC is concerned in that there is either a recommendation for a particular action or that a case is dismissed for being vexatious?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight and Accountability: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (28 Feb 2018)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: I suppose that is central to the reason I ask the question, namely, that there is a concern that the time it is taking GSOC to get through the cases is quite long. What is being said is that approximately half of the complaints that are reached - if I understand correctly that is 1,000 cases - that are received are disposed of within the year.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight and Accountability: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (28 Feb 2018)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: I wish to refer to the initiative that is being taken in Pearse Street. If I understand it correctly, I presume that the option always exists for the complainant to bring the case to GSOC.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight and Accountability: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (28 Feb 2018)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: ...there is an issue of almost triaging cases, and identifying ones that are more appropriate for local resolution at a Garda district level, for example, as opposed to perhaps being more suitable for GSOC? Does she think that is a considerable issue? Would resolution of that make a considerable difference in terms of her workload?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight and Accountability: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (28 Feb 2018)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: Very well. Could Ms Justice Ring elaborate on the extent to which she thinks the work of GSOC is excessively tied up with issues that could be resolved more locally?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight and Accountability: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (28 Feb 2018)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: I wish to move on to a slightly different area. Would it be possible to put a number on the GSOC staff who are members of the Garda on secondment and the number that are former gardaí. They are two separate categories of people.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight and Accountability: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (28 Feb 2018)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: There has been a bit of discussion on independence. I support the point that was made that in the same way as Caesar's wife, not only does GSOC need to function independently but it needs to be seen to be independent. I agree with that. Aside from budgetary independence and having its own Accounting Officer, what constraints does Ms Justice Ring believe exist legislatively currently?...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight and Accountability: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (28 Feb 2018)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: ...Síochána Ombudsman Commission should have full independence in the matter. While the circumstances are not the same as in the case of section 103, would access to information be improved if GSOC's ability to access the PULSE system was strengthened and perhaps placed on a statutory footing?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight and Accountability: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (28 Feb 2018)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: ...presumably be relevant in carrying out investigations is the ability of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to carry out unannounced inspections of Garda stations. What is the position on GSOC's ability to undertake unannounced inspections? Are there exceptions and should this power be strengthened?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight and Accountability: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (28 Feb 2018)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: There is a difference between an announced and unannounced inspection. I am specifically asking whether GSOC believes there are excessive constraints on its ability to carry out unannounced inspections of Garda stations.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight and Accountability: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (28 Feb 2018)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: I appreciate that, but I have in mind the circumstances Ms Justice Ring described. Are there constraints on the ability of GSOC to carry out inspections in such circumstances and, if so, should they be altered?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight and Accountability: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (28 Feb 2018)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: Ms Justice Ring referred to the need for gardaí to use the PULSE system properly. What proportion of the complaints received by GSOC relate to Garda handling of data?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Garda Oversight and Accountability: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (28 Feb 2018)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: ...on that point, but I wish to return to an issue because I was not fully satisfied with the answer given. I will frame my question differently. In the course of an investigation is it possible for GSOC to visit a Garda station as part of an investigation without giving prior notice?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Policing Issues: An Garda Síochána (7 Dec 2017)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: However, the GSOC investigation stated it will not be pursuing criminal or disciplinary proceedings. I understand that is also the position of An Garda Síochána. Is that correct?

Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill 2017: Second Stage [Private Members] (9 Nov 2017)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire: ...to enter, inspect and review any Garda Síochána station or premises without prior notification to any member of the Garda. Sinn Féin also supports giving a similar power to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. The strength and powers of GSOC are characterised by failings and weaknesses. While we need to return to this issue, GSOC requires the power provided...