Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 98: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is confident that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is adequately resourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21125/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Garda Ombudsman Commission has a budget this year of over €11.6 million and an approved staff complement of just over 100.

For a number of months now my Department has been in discussion with the Ombudsman Commission on proposals for legislative change which the Commission believes would make it more efficient and effective in managing its workload of complaints. I expect to bring proposals on this to Cabinet shortly.

In recent days, at a meeting between the Ombudsman Commission and my Department at a senior level, the Commission discussed the benefits of some legislative change in their area and the level of staffing necessary to enable them to efficiently manage their workload.

I will of course carefully consider any specific proposals the Ombudsman Commission may make, taking into account the developing experience of their workload and the new efficiencies expected to result from legislative change. My officials will stay in dialogue with the Ombudsman Commission on how best to continue to fulfil their functions.