McDowell defends appointments to Garda Ombudsman body
10/10/2005 - 12:55:21Justice Minister Michael McDowell has defended the way in which members are being appointed to the new Garda Ombudsman Commission.
The appointments are being made directly by the Government, but opposition parties and civil liberties groups have claimed the process lacks transparency and could undermine public confidence in the body.
They want positions on the commission to be advertised publicly and filled by an independent body.
Speaking in Dublin today, Mr McDowell said: "I have no doubt that the full team of the Ombudsman Commission will have very widespread support and that it will be seen to be a balanced and proper team when it's put in place."
