Kenny responds to Opposition demands on GSOC role

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has responded to Opposition demands that he retract his claim that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) was required to inform the Minister for Justice of the possible bugging of its headquarters.

He said in the Dáil today that “any excessive meaning attributed to my words is regretted”.

The Taoiseach was replying to Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, who said Mr Kenny should take the opportunity to correct the Dáil record and show that the GSOC was not obliged to report to the Minister under the relevant section of the Garda Síochána Act.

In fact, the Act said GSOC “may’’ make any appropriate reports to the Minister.

The matter was also raised by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and SF deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald.

Mr Kenny said there was a provision in the law for GSOC that it “may’’ report to the Minister for Justice. “The GSOC themselves considered that and they decided not to inform the Minister, and they have regretted that decision,” he added. “I think we can put that behind us now.”

Mr Kenny said he rejected the assertion that he intended to undermine the independence of the GSOC. On the contrary, he added, he was very clear about maintaining its independence and integrity.