Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

With regard to amendment No. 97, the perceived lack of independence and the failure of the Garda Complaints Board to adhere to its fundamental principle of not being judge in its own cause has, ultimately, led to its downfall. It is not acceptable that members of the Garda Síochána be brought into the ombudsman commission to investigate other gardaí. I disagree with the Minister in this regard. Many gardaí, superintendents and chief superintendents also feel this way. If, as the Minister suggested, the assistance of highly-qualified gardaí is required, this should be restricted to the rank of superintendent and above. The emphasis should be on bringing in experts from outside the jurisdiction to investigate in such cases. Independence and perception are two vital characteristics which the ombudsman commission must have. The Minister must do all he can to foster this. The section as drafted will not do the ombudsman any favours whatsoever.