Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

129. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if it is always the policy of An Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to ensure that investigators appointed to examine complaints regarding the conduct of members of An Garda Síochána are in no way linked either professionally or personally to the members being investigated; if there is a register of interests for such investigators. [48505/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission requires the members of the Commission and all staff, on an annual basis, to submit a declaration in relation to any conflict of interest which may arise in the course of the performance of their functions or duties for inclusion in a Register of Interests. This declaration is separate from any declaration required under the provisions of Ethics in Public Office Act 1995. Where, during the course of the year covered by the declaration, a conflict of interest not previously declared arises, members and staff are requested to submit a revised declaration which should include details of the interest. The new Protocols agreed between the Garda Commissioner and the Ombudsman Commissioners last September, which are available on the websites of both organisations, contain General Principals governing the appointment of Investigating Officers which are aimed at avoiding any conflict of interest which may prejudice the outcome of a case.