Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 82: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that no former members of An Garda Síochána will be appointed as Garda Ombudsman Commission investigators. [37211/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is in the process of making an appointment to the post of Director of Investigations. I understand that the successful candidate is a senior Police Officer from outside the jurisdiction. Competitions for the posts of Deputy Director of Investigations (1), Senior Investigations Officer (6), Investigations Officer (12) and Assistant Investigations Officer (9) are currently being conducted by the Public Appointments Service. The job descriptions for these posts emphasise the independence of the Commission and its statutory objectives which are to ensure that complaints against members of the Garda Síochána are examined "with full fairness to all persons involved in complaints and investigations" and to "promote public confidence in the process for resolving those complaints". Candidates are also required to possess a full understanding of and commitment to the fundamental principles of human rights and a comprehensive understanding of the environment within which the work of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission will operate.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is independent in the performance of its functions and I have no role in the selection process. As these are public open competitions, the Public Appointments Service, with the participation of the Commission, will select the most suitable candidates.