Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the annual report of the Garda complaints body, published on 14 June 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21440/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I welcome the publication of the 2004 annual report of the Garda Síochána Complaints Board. The report sets out the work of the board for the year and the progress made in a number of areas. I do not intend to go into detail on these as they are set out in the report itself and referred to in my press release of 14 June when I launched the report. That said, I note with satisfaction that the number of cases on hand at the end of the year has been reduced to 473 — a reduction of 21% from the corresponding 2003 figure. I also welcome the fact that the average processing time for complaints has been reduced to five months.

I am particularly heartened by the board's supportive comments regarding the establishment of the new three person Garda Ombudsman Commission. The chairman also highlights the fact that the main legislative defects in the current mechanisms are addressed in the Garda Síochána Bill. Indeed, he is of the view that every member of the present board would strongly favour the new powers being proposed for the Garda Ombudsman Commission.

As the Deputy is aware I have already appointed a committee, chaired by Senator Maurice Hayes, to oversee the implementation of the Garda Síochána Bill, including the establishment of the new Garda Ombudsman Commission. I look forward to the assistance of the board and its staff in this element of the task.