Dáil work on terms for garda commission to begin next week
The Cabinet will begin work on Tuesday on the terms of reference for the commission of inquiry into alleged wrongdoing by members of the Gardaí.
It follows the publication of the Guerin report, which led to the resignation of Alan Shatter.
While it praises whistleblower, Garda Sergeant Maurice McCabe, the 336-page report is damning of the former Justice Minister, the Department of Justice and senior Gardái.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the Government has acted quickly on this issue and will continue to do so. He said the Government will decide quickly on the best structure of the commission of investigation, and the Minister for Justice will be looking at not just policy, but the practice of justice administration.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, however, said there needs to be an overhaul of the Garda force.
"We need to see the Commission of Investigation, as recommended in the report, established as soon as possible. We also, importantly need to see a new beginning for policing in this state," he said.
"“The public is now alerted tom all these issues. That is vitally important to ensure a new beginning to policing that will also continue be Sinn Fein’s focus.”"
Interim Garda Commissioner Noirín O’Sullivan released a statement this afetrnoon on the contents of the report.
"The report by Mr Sean Guerin SC is detailed and extensive, and I am currently studying it closely in conjunction with my senior management team to identify immediate actions that can be taken as part of our process of change that is currently underway," she wrote.
"As the Minister for Justice & Equality Frances Fitzgerald TD said today, An Garda Síochána is fully committed to a sea change in its culture and to re-new and re-invigorate the organisation.
"An Garda Síochána will fully co-operate and facilitate the commission of investigation in its examination of the serious issues raised by the report."
