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22/08/2014
New Legislation To Strengthen Remit Of GSOC
New legislation to strengthen the powers and remit of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has been published by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald.
Welcoming the publication, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal and member of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Farrell, said: "It is very encouraging to see that the Government has taken quick and decisive action on this matter, as we work to fully restore public confidence in the workings of An Garda Síochána.
"The new legislation, published by the Minister for Justice and Equality, will bring the Garda Commissioner within the remit of GSOC for the first time and it will give GSOC greater powers to carry out examinations of the practices, policies and procedures of the Garda force.
"In the past, one of GSOC's greatest obstacles in carrying out investigations was a long delay between the time information was requested and when it was made available. This legislation will ensure that information is passed from An Garda Síochána to GSOC as soon as is practicable after the information is sought, and it will extend the powers of GSOC in terms of investigating complaints involving suspected criminal behaviour.
"I have no doubt that these measures will serve to strengthen public confidence in An Garda Síochána who carry out such important work in our communities. The implementation of this legislation before the appointment of the new Garda Commissioner, who will be recruited through an open competition, would be beneficial. This would allow for the effective transition to a more open and transparent system of justice in Ireland.
"This legislation is only one element of the reform programme which is being implemented by this Government and I look forward to contributing to the debate when the legislation comes before the Dáil."
(MH/JP)
Welcoming the publication, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal and member of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Farrell, said: "It is very encouraging to see that the Government has taken quick and decisive action on this matter, as we work to fully restore public confidence in the workings of An Garda Síochána.
"The new legislation, published by the Minister for Justice and Equality, will bring the Garda Commissioner within the remit of GSOC for the first time and it will give GSOC greater powers to carry out examinations of the practices, policies and procedures of the Garda force.
"In the past, one of GSOC's greatest obstacles in carrying out investigations was a long delay between the time information was requested and when it was made available. This legislation will ensure that information is passed from An Garda Síochána to GSOC as soon as is practicable after the information is sought, and it will extend the powers of GSOC in terms of investigating complaints involving suspected criminal behaviour.
"I have no doubt that these measures will serve to strengthen public confidence in An Garda Síochána who carry out such important work in our communities. The implementation of this legislation before the appointment of the new Garda Commissioner, who will be recruited through an open competition, would be beneficial. This would allow for the effective transition to a more open and transparent system of justice in Ireland.
"This legislation is only one element of the reform programme which is being implemented by this Government and I look forward to contributing to the debate when the legislation comes before the Dáil."
(MH/JP)
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Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly dry south and east, patchy light rain west and north through much of the day. A band of heavier rain crosses central and northern parts in the morning Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most, turning to clear spells and a few showers towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
