Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for a new Garda disciplinary code in view of the serious concerns expressed by Mr. Justice Morris in regard to the deterioration of discipline and good order that he found in regard to the Gardaí in Donegal; when it is expected that the code will be published; when it will be in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22116/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Work is currently under way in my Department in relation to the preparation of draft new Garda disciplinary regulations on the lines recommended by the Morris Tribunal. These new Regulations will completely replace the existing disciplinary procedures. It will be recalled that the Morris Tribunal, in its latest reports, was critical of those procedures, pointing out that because of the overlay of legal formalism, they can be used to delay and frustrate simple and straightforward disciplinary investigations. The Tribunal commented that the current disciplinary regulations need to be replaced by a new, less complex approach which will be swift and fair with a simple appeal process.

As the Government has already announced, my intention is to publish these new draft Regulations in the coming weeks and to have them approved by the Government and signed into law before the Summer recess.