Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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204. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to review the role and powers of the Garda ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8852/14]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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205. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to strengthen the GSOC legislation in order that the Garda Commissioner will come under its remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8853/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission was established under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to provide independent oversight of complaints made against members of the Garda Síochána. The Garda Ombudsman Commission has a hugely important role in ensuring that public confidence in the Garda Síochána is safeguarded, and has extensive powers under the 2005 Act to enable it to carry out its responsibilities, including full police powers of investigation.

Some weeks ago I announced that I would be bringing to Cabinet a number of amendments to the Garda Síochána Act 2005 relating to the Ombudsman Commission. It has subsequently been agreed at Cabinet last Tuesday that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality would be asked to hold such hearings as it deems appropriate and necessary for the purpose of making any recommendations as to amendments it proposes be made to the 2005 Act. I look forward to receiving their recommendations.

Separately, I am working with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on an amendment to the Public Disclosures Bill, currently before Dáil Eireann, which will enable the Garda Ombudsman Commission to operate within the architecture of the Bill and receive and investigate reports from Garda whistleblowers.