Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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58. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied with the functioning of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, with particular reference to efficiency, timeliness of investigation, work practices and outcomes. [22684/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Let me say at the outset that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has a hugely important role to play in ensuring that public confidence in the Garda Síochána is safeguarded and as such, it has extensive powers under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended.

As part of its effort to keep the public informed about its activities, GSOC publishes certain information concerning its operations on its website on a quarterly basis. The most recent update shows that, between January and March 2018:

- 628 calls were received on its complaints telephone line.

- 500 complaints were received.

- 490 complaints were closed.

- There were 12 referrals from the Garda Síochána for independent investigation under S.102(1) of the Garda Síochána Act (2005).

- There was 100% compliance rate in requests for documentation from the Garda Síochána.

- It took an average of 18 days for requests for information/documentation from the Garda Síochána to be fulfilled.

- 3 investigations were opened in the public interest.

During the year 2017, GSOC referred 16 files to the Director of Public Prosecutions for direction compared to five in the previous year.

As regards the efficiencies achieved by GSOC in the course of their activities, I am advised that in March 2017 the Commission initiated an internal strategic review of the organisation’s processes, people and structures, resulting in the creation of a Business Improvement Team (BIT) compromising staff from all grades and business areas, which examined how GSOC operates under the existing legislation, what their current staffing requirements are, and what their future requirements would be in light of potential changes in the legislative and policing environment.

I met with the Chair of GSOC last September and discussed with her, among other things, the resourcing of GSOC. I invited her to set out for me her best assessment of the overall resource requirements to provide the level of service that complainants, and all those interested in the effective and efficient investigation of complaints against members of An Garda Síochána, expect and deserve. Subsequently, in February 2018, a detailed business case proposal for additional resources was provided by GSOC. My Department has sought some additional information from GSOC which it expects to receive very shortly. Thereafter, my Department will engage with GSOC and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with a view to ensuring that GSOC is properly resourced to fulfil its very important functions.

Furthermore, in December 2017 GSOC submitted proposals for changes to the Garda Síochána Act 2005 with a view to improving and streamlining the provision of its services. These proposals are being examined in my Department at present. I would point out to the House that the Commission on the Future of Policing is due to report later this year and I expect that its proposals will have implications for the current oversight structures. I have advised GSOC that it will be appropriate to await this report before making final decisions on what changes will be made to the 2005 Act.

Whilst GSOC have highlighted areas where they see improvements or enhancements which may be implemented so as to strengthen their investigative processes, I am satisfied that the staff at GSOC are committed to providing an essential public service to the highest of standards within the current statutory framework.

I can assure the Deputy that the resources and funding of GSOC are kept under continuing review to ensure it is able to operate effectively and efficiently and in accordance with its statutory remit.