Written answers

Tuesday, 3 October 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Ombudsman Commission

9:00 pm

Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 145: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made with regard to the establishment of the Garda Ombudsman Commission; the number of staff recruited to date; when the Commission will be in a position to begin dealing with complaints from the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30627/06]

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

The Garda Síochána 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. The Commission is in a preparatory stage at present. 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. The Commission have advertised all of their senior posts: Director of Investigations, Deputy Director of Investigations, Director of Administration and Head of Legal Affairs, and all of their investigative staff. General staff will be sourced from Department of Finance Dublin decentralisation arrangements. The short list for the post of Director of Investigations have been interviewed and I understand that an offer to the successful candidate is imminent. Interviews for the remaining senior posts are scheduled by the Public Appointments Service to take place later this month. The Commission is working towards being in a position to receive complaints as soon as possible in 2007.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.