Labour hits out at Garda inspectorate plans
Government plans to set up a team to inspect Garda files indicate a “shocking” level of inconsistency and confusion, it was claimed today.
Labour’s justice spokesman Joe Costello warned that the establishment of a Garda inspectorate would seriously undermine the role of the proposed Garda ombudsman.
He said plans announced by Justice Minister Michael McDowell for teams to carry out so-called lightning raids on Garda stations must be clarified, as it was the very work an ombudsman’s office should be doing.
“The minister’s announcement is all the more puzzling given that the Garda Síochána Bill, now before the Seanad, makes no provision for the establishment of any such separate inspectorate,” he said.
“This latest development points to a shocking level of inconsistency and confused thinking on the part of the Government.”
Former Justice Minister John O’Donoghue originally mooted plans for a Garda inspectorate in October 2001. Mr McDowell then included provision for a Garda ombudsman in his Garda Síochána Bill last year.
But Mr Costello criticised the minister, claiming it now appeared he was planning to introduce both an inspectorate and an ombudsman.
He said it was a matter of extreme urgency which needed to be clarified without delay, particularly in wake of the damning first report of the Morris Tribunal.
“There is an indisputable need for a strong, independent, properly resourced Garda ombudsman, with powers to investigate complaints, but also with the powers to take a proactive role in identifying and rooting out wrongdoing in the force,” he added.
“It is essential that the passage of the legislation through the Oireachtas should now be expedited and that the provisions in regard to the ombudsman be strengthened to provide an office similar to that operating so successfully in Northern Ireland.”
The proposed small inspectorate is expected to be formed from groups such as army officers, civil servants and claims inspectors.
They will scan files for detailed information, carry out audits and follow-up investigations in an attempt to maintain standards.
