Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas sourceWWW00500 type: 1 -->

I am aware that the general scheme of the Bill provided that the authority would monitor and address human rights compliance by An Garda Síochána in policing matters. However, this element was subsequently removed from the Bill prior to publication so as to avoid duplication of the functions of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC. Senators will be aware that the IHREC is the primary State body which oversees and monitors Garda human rights and equality compliance. It is also important to make it clear that the authority will, in accordance with its general supervisory powers, have the ability to pursue human rights policing matters directly with the Garda Síochána. This could be done in different ways and, for example, such issues could be raised in the public meetings it will hold with the Garda Commissioner.

In addition, under a new section which is being inserted by section 44 of the Bill, the authority will be in a position to liaise closely with the IHREC. Within this framework the Minister has no doubt that there will be close co-operation between the two bodies and that they will work together very effectively. I might also mention that human rights is a key organisational priority for the Garda Síochána. For example section 16 of the 2005 Act provides a revised form of declaration for persons joining the force which specifically directs each new member to have regard for human rights in carrying out their policing duties; a Garda Declaration of Professional Values and Ethical Standards, which underpins all Garda practice, policy and procedure, has been published and distributed to each member; all operational Garda Directives make reference to the human rights principles applicable to the relevant instruction so as to remind all members of their human rights obligations; the new trainee programme for Garda recruits (B.A. in Applied Policing Programme) and ongoing professional development measures for members incorporates specific human rights training; and the Garda Commissioner receives advice from the strategic human rightsadvisory committeeon the ongoing development of human rights policies within the Garda Síochána. As well as policing expertise, the committee includes representatives from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, Amnesty International and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties. In the circumstances, the Minister considers that fully adequate provision has been made in order to ensure human rights compliance by and within the Garda Síochána, and I would ask the Senator to not to press the amendment.