Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 305: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria for appointment to membership of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6090/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Section 65 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the membership of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. The Ombudsman Commission consists of three members, with at least one of the three members to be a woman and at least one of them to be a man. One of the members is appointed as chairperson. Appointments to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission are made by the President on the nomination of the Government and following the passage of resolutions recommending the appointments by both Houses of the Oireachtas. In considering the nomination of a person to be a member of the Ombudsman Commission, the Government must satisfy themselves that the person has the appropriate experience, qualifications, training or expertise necessary to be a member of the Commission.