Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

276. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of GSOC staff who are former or seconded members of An Garda Síochána, the PSNI or other police service; her plans to reform this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45046/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While the funding for Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is provided through my Department, it is an independent statutory body was set up under the Garda Síochána Act 2005.

The Ombudsman Commission is responsible for the recruitment of its staff. I am informed that there are currently six former members of the Garda Síochána employed in GSOC. There are no former members from the PSNI, however, there are nine individuals who have served in police services outside of Ireland currently employed in GSOC. All of the above staff were appointed following open competitions conducted by the Public Appointments Service. I am further informed that there are also two staff members who have been seconded from the Garda Síochána.

I am advised that 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 must submit a revised declaration which should include details of the interest.

Protocols agreed between the Garda Commissioner and the Ombudsman Commissioners in September last year, 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.