19/02/2014

Former High Court Judge Appointed To Oversee GSOC Enquiry

A former High Court judge has been appointed to lead an investigation into "all matters of relevance" relating to the GSOC controversy.

Making the announcement, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, said: "I have briefed Cabinet today on developments that have occurred in relation to the GSOC controversy following on from the Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions hearing last Wednesday.

"I have also briefed the Cabinet in relation to further information and documentation received from GSOC and further technical information I have received regarding the alleged surveillance of GSOC.

"In light of the above, it was agreed at Cabinet today to appoint a retired High Court Judge to enquire into all matters of relevance.

"Over two weeks ago, before this controversy developed, I announced that I would be bringing to Cabinet a number of amendments to the Garda Síochána Act 2005 relating to GSOC.

"It was agreed at Cabinet today that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality would be asked to hold such hearings as it deems appropriate and necessary and to make any recommendations as to amendments it proposes be made to the 2005 Act. I look forward to receiving their recommendations.

“I will be appearing tomorrow before the Joint Oireachtas Petitions Committee and will answer any questions that arise in relation to GSOC following on from the meeting it held Wednesday last."

MR Shatter will address to Dáil tonight (Wednesday) on the current GSOC situation.

(MH/CD)


Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

24 April 2024
Making The Most Of Your Man Cave Or Games Room
Every home needs a space for retreat. Whether it is to chill out and relax after a hard day’s work or to entertain friends during a fun evening in. Investing in developing this space can help boost your pleasure and comfort. How can you accomplish that? Most people like to call it a man cave.
09 June 2014
Fianna Fáil Call On Govt To Publish Cooke Report
The government has been urged to publish the Cooke Report on the alleged bugging of the offices of the Garda Ombudsman. Calling for the immediate publication of the report, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins said: "We now know that the Taoiseach has received the report into the GSOC bugging controversy.
17 July 2008
Sarkozy To Discuss Treaty Rejection During Visit
French President Nicolas Sarkosy is due to hold informal discussions about the Lisbon Treaty debate when he visits Ireland on Monday. Mr Sarkozy was reportedly scheduled to hold a public meeting with opponents of the Treaty during his short stay.
20 September 2013
US Style Child Beauty Pageant Cancelled By Venue
A controversial US child beauty pageant has lost its venue the day before the event was due to take place. Universal Royalty Beauty Pageant had kept its location a secret after previous hotels it had tried to book for the pageant wouldn't allow them to hold the event.
22 October 2007
Man Gunned Down In Dublin
A 27-year-old man has been shot dead in Finglas in north Dublin. Gardaí were called to Cloonlara Drive after the man was shot several times while sitting in a car, around 1.45am on Monday. His body was taken to the Mater hospital where he was pronounced dead.