John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

151. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of inquiries and investigations being undertaken by GSOC; the number of inquiries and investigations undertaken at the equivalent date in 2016; the staffing levels of GSOC; the comparable level at the equivalent date in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30535/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 established GSOC to provide independent oversight of alleged misbehaviour by members of the Garda Síochána. The Act stipulates that the Ombudsman Commission is independent in the performance of its functions.

I am informed by GSOC that there were 758 enquiries and investigations being undertaken at the end of May 2017. This compares with 703 enquiries and investigations being conducted at the end of May 2016.

The staffing level at GSOC at the end of May 2017 was 80, and the comparable level for 2016 was 77. Sanction was recently received for an additional 5 staff for a unit to investigate protected disclosures.

Resources and funding are kept under continuing review to ensure that GSOC is able to continue to operate effectively and efficiently and in accordance with its statutory remit.