Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

313. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the length of time GSOC has taken to investigate complaints surrounding the investigation into the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48327/18]

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

From the outset, I want to remind the Deputy that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is the independent statutory body which investigates complaints against members of the Gardaí.  Its independence is the guarantee to members of the public and Gardaí that complaints will be investigated fairly and free from outside influence.  I believe that GSOC does an excellent job in difficult circumstances and, as Minister for Justice and Equality, I will fully respect their independence and will not do or say anything which could be interpreted as infringing GSOC's independence.

In the case referred to in the Deputy's question, GSOC has already provided a report following a referral from a previous Minister and a number of complaints made by members of the family of the person who died so tragically as a result of a road traffic incident.  The outcome was that the investigation did not find any criminal misbehaviour by members of the Garda Síochána.  However, a number of matters were identified that warrant investigation in respect of potential breaches of discipline.  That investigation is on-going.

I know that it can be frustrating that investigations are not completed as quickly as people would like.  However, our overriding concern must be that investigations are comprehensive and conducted to the highest standards. 

The Deputy will be glad to know that, following a request for additional staffing, GSOC has recently been granted sanction to recruit up to 42 additional staff.  I am confident that when these extra staff are recruited and fully operational, the time taken for the completion of investigations will be reduced.