Home > Dail Eireann debate. Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed).

[Oireachtas] Dail Eireann debate. Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (24 Mar 2005)

External website: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2...


Mr. F. McGrath: ...Policing is a significant issue. Society has major problems and policing and crime are at the top of the political agenda because it is time to address these serious issues.

The Garda should always be professional and accountable and, above all, it should work for the community with the support and respect of the community. The Garda needs the confidence of the people but it must earn their respect to gain their confidence. Those of us who have experienced varying levels of quality of policing services will always recognise that when gardaí focus on their jobs, they gradually build respect. This usually results in less crime and a more open society.

The Bill has two main objectives. One is to reform the law relating to the administration and management of the Garda, in particular, the respective roles of the Garda Commissioner and the Minister. This follows from a 2002 report on performance and accountability in the Garda, which was developed under the strategic management initiative and recommended significant reform. The other main objective of the legislation is to provide for the establishment of an independent body to be known as the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. An Agreed Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent Garda inspectorate, which will have the power to investigate complaints. The primary function of the commission will be to investigate complaints by members of the public against members of the Garda and it will replace the Garda Síochána Complaints Board, which was established under the Garda Síochána Complaints Act 1986...

[For the full debate, click this link to the Oireachtas website]

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