Labour seeks reform of Garda Siochana
The Labour Party has called for the radical reform of the Garda Siochana to aid the fight against crime in modern Ireland.
Labour has proposed a new Garda Authority and the appointment of a garda ombudsman to prevent the repeat of controversies such as the John Carthy case.
Speaking in Dublin today, Pat Rabbitte said the gardai are at present out of touch with the community they serve.
Mr Rabitte proposed that trade unions and community organisations could nominate members to the new Garda Authority, which would take over many of the powers currently held by the Minister for Justice.
He also suggested the establishment of a county policing liaison committee to set out special policing plans for different parts of Ireland.
However, it is the appointment of a garda ombudsman that will draw most attention, especially in light of the controversy caused by the shooting of John Carthy by members of the Emergency Response Unit.
Labour said its aim is to ensure that, in future, any investigations into complaints against the gardai will be fully transparent.
