Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 393: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if any changes in the management structures within the Garda Síochána in Donegal have been undertaken; if such decisions are awaiting the final report of the Morris tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15473/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The tribunal of inquiry into complaints concerning some gardaí of the Donegal division has already in its first report demonstrated its effectiveness, and the Government and the Garda Commissioner have shown their determination to take action on its findings. While there have been certain personnel changes, there have been no changes in the management structures in the Donegal division.

The Commissioner has accepted the recommendations made in the first report of the Morris tribunal and is already taking action on foot of these. The Commissioner has established an implementation group under the chairmanship of the deputy commissioner, Mr. Peter Fitzgerald, to examine the issues arising from the recommendations contained in the first report of the Morris tribunal. A number of working groups have been established to deliberate on matters raised in the report. These working groups are examining the following areas: the role of assistant commissioner and accountability framework; erosion of discipline; issues involving personnel; migration management and policy of tenure; management development; internal audit; informant management; and religious and ethnic minorities. A composite report, containing firm recommendations, will be prepared by the implementation group for the Garda Commissioner and myself.

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána Bill, currently before the Dáil, makes provision for the establishment of a Garda Síochána inspectorate. This proposal was introduced during the debate on the Bill in Seanad Éireann, directly as a result of a recommendation in the first report of the Morris tribunal to the effect that the Minister and the Department in its oversight role must be "empowered by knowledge". The main functions of the inspectorate will be to ensure that the Minister and the Department will have objective information on matters relevant to the functioning of the force. The key objectives will be to ensure and promote efficiency and effectiveness in the Garda Síochána and to provide advice and support to the Minister and the Department.