13/03/2008

Garda Ombudsman Flooded With Complaints

The Garda Ombudsman Commission is believed to be struggling to keep up with the huge number of complaints it has received since being set up 10 months ago.

Reports say the commission has asked the Government to allow it opt out of fully investigating some complaints.

Instead, it has suggested that some complaints would be referred to the garda commissioner, when warranted, and could then be wound down after a brief preliminary inquiry.

The commission has reportedly received 2,500 complaints since last May, compared to around 1,400 received annually by its predecessor, the Garda Complaints Board.

The ombudsman commission has not looked at 890 of the cases yet.

A commission spokesman said the preliminary enquiries would ensure the most serious cases would receive the most attention.

(CD)

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