Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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105. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which she remains satisfied that GSOC is operating effectively, efficiently and in accordance with its terms of reference; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36060/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is an independent statutory body established under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The objectives, functions and powers of the Ombudsman Commission are governed by the 2005 Act. The Act also provides that the management and control generally of the officers, administration and business of the Ombudsman Commission is the responsibility of the Chairperson of the Commission.

The Deputy will be aware that, as part of the Government's comprehensive programme of reform in the areas of policing and justice in the State, I am bringing forward new legislation to amend the 2005 Act to strengthen the remit and powers of GSOC. The Garda Síochána (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2014 was published on 18 August 2014.

The Bill, which is due to be taken in the Houses of the Oireachtas during the Autumn session provides primarily for:

the inclusion, for the first time, of the Garda Commissioner within the investigative remit of GSOC;

the conferral of additional police powers on GSOC for criminal investigation purposes;

greater autonomy for GSOC in examining Garda practices, policies and procedures.

My Department remains in ongoing discussion with GSOC in relation to staffing and financial requirements,and the proposed changes to their powers and remit, with a view to ensuring that GSOC is enabled to continue to operate effectively and efficiently and in accordance with its statutory remit.