Written answers

Tuesday, 25 November 2008

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Ombudsman Commission

10:00 pm

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [42348/08]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The work of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is controlled and directed by its three Commissioners. Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 it is the task of the three Commissioners to ensure that its functions are performed in an efficient and effective manner and with "full fairness to all persons involved in complaints and investigations". A person is not eligible to be nominated or appointed as a Commissioner if he or she is or has been a member of the Garda Síochána.

The Ombudsman Commission is independent in the performance of its functions and, as a reflection of that independence, is empowered to appoint its own officers, subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance and myself. Recruitment to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is now conducted primarily through the Public Appointments Service (PAS). At its establishment however a number of administrative staff were recruited via the CAF/Decentralisation process and also by competitive interview from amongst staff of the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform. It is important to bear in mind however that the officers in question are answerable to the Commission in the discharge of its statutory mandate and not to me as Minister or any other person.

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