Written answers

Thursday, 7 December 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Ombudsman Commission

7:00 pm

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 23: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda Ombudsman Commission will begin receiving complaints in January 2007 as previously indicated. [41985/06]

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 73: 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 he expects that 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. [42072/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 73 together.

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 has advertised all of its senior posts — Director of Investigations, Deputy Director of Investigations, Director of Administration and Head of Legal Affairs — and all of its investigative staff. General staff will be sourced from within the Civil Service. In respect of a number of key senior posts, interviewing has been completed and successful candidates have been identified. In these cases employment contracts are being finalised. Interviewing is currently taking place in respect of a number of other posts.

The Commission is working towards being in a position to receive complaints as soon as possible in 2007.

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