Minister: commission of investigation established following Guerin report
Frances Fitzgerald, the new Minister for Justice, has announced that there will be a commission on investigation as recommended by the Guerin report.
In today's report it's clear that operation policies and procedures in [the Gardaí] were inadequate,"
"If root and branch reform is what is needed, root and branch reform is what will happen, and must happen," she said.
Minister Fitzgerald singled out Garda performance, professional standards, and supervision in the force as key areas for attention.
She also said a new Cabinet committee on justice reform has been established.
Justice Minister Fitzgerald speaking to the media in Govt Buildings following publication of #Guerinreport pic.twitter.com/wfSD4PrLcz
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"The report further raises fundamental questions about the treatment of victims of crime," she said.
Frances Fitzgerald said she had met with the interim Garda Commissioner, Noirín O'Sullivan, earlier today, and they had a long discussion about immediate changes.
She said the interim commissioner had her full support in doing what is necessary.
She also revealed she had discussed the issue of whistleblower Sergeant McCabe's access to the garda PULSE system with the commissioner, and expects a statement in the near future.
Speaking about the resignation of her predecessor, Alan Shatter, she said "I will stand over the fact that Alan Shatter was a reforming minister ... he made a decision himself on the basis of this report that he would offer his resignation."
