Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he received a report by a senior Garda officer, appointed by the Commissioner, to examine all matters featured in a television programme (details supplied) broadcast on 8 January. [16309/04]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the report is at an advanced stage and will be finalised shortly.

Allegations of serious wrongdoing by members of the Garda Síochána, such as those broadcast on the "Prime Time" programme, are of serious concern to me. Some of the cases featured on 8 January were previously reported and in the public domain. They have either been or may be dealt with in the courts or by existing complaints and disciplinary mechanisms. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specific details.

I expect the report to address all of the issues raised and to examine the cases featured in the programme and, where relevant, the Garda systems, practices and procedures. This will be done with a view to assessing whether additional safeguards or changes are necessary.

Existing laws and procedures for dealing with complaints against gardaí are inadequate. We need a mechanism for dealing with such cases that commands the confidence of members of the public and the force. In February the Garda Síochána Bill 2004 was published. One of its key objectives is the establishment of an independent ombudsman commission with powers to investigate complaints made against gardaí. It will also be able to investigate policies and practices that may be a cause of complaint.