Jim Higgins (Fine Gael)

One of the last items of legislation dealt with in the Seanad and Dáil was the Garda Síochána Bill 2004. The establishment of an ombudsman commission to replace the discredited Garda Complaints Board is an integral part of this Bill. The ombudsman commission has still not been established. I received a letter from a constituent during the week in which he complained that his case has now been referred to the discredited Garda Complaints Board. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform should come to the House to explain his tardiness in setting up the ombudsman commission, which is extremely important. We need an assurance from him that all current or pending complaints against the Garda Síochána will be put on hold until such time as the new commission has been established. I am seeking a debate on this matter.