Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 23: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the progress made in terms of getting An Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission up and running; and the date from which it will commence receiving complaints. [6813/07]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 43: 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. [6824/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 43 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 Garda Ombudsman Commission is planning to commence operations in May 2007. In order to meet this deadline, the Commission is now engaged in completing an extensive programme of work. This programme includes, among other things, the recruitment and training of staff, the refurbishment of a new premises and the delivery of an I.T. infrastructure.

The Commission has appointed 25 staff at this stage. Initial staff training will commence on 5th March 2007. At that stage the Commission will have appointed 37 staff and are in the process of recruiting the remaining members of its staffing complement.