Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 40: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether there is a need for the 26 County Ombudsman Commission to be operational and fully resourced immediately rather than January 2007 as currently proposed in order that there can be transparency and prompt action taken to investigate allegations against Gardaí and suspicious deaths while in custody; and if he will take action to expedite same. [22194/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commissioners were appointed by the President on the 10th February 2006, following nomination by the Government and recommendations by both Houses of the Oireachtas. Given the complex and serious nature of the role of the Commission it is important that they be given time to plan and develop their systems before commencing operations. I understand that the initial work of the Commission has involved study visits to their counterparts in Northern Ireland and the UK and initial meetings with the various stakeholders involved in the Garda complaints system, such as Garda management, the Garda representative bodies and officials of my Department. This process is aimed at enabling the Commission to establish principles regarding its approach to investigating complaints and to work on the development of operational protocols with the Garda Síochána. Consultations are also on-going between the Commissioners, my Department and the Department of Finance in regard to staffing matters. The Commission is working towards being in a position to receive complaints as soon as possible in 2007. In the meantime the Garda Síochána Complaints Board will continue to receive complaints.