Independent authority will improve Garda services, says Minister

The establishment of an independent policing authority will deliver “a sea change’’ in Garda oversight, the Minister for Justice has told the Dáil.

Frances Fitzgerald said: "I would reiterate that the overall objective of the Government's programme of justice reform, of which the authority forms a key element, is to bring forward necessary changes to improve policing services in the State and to maintain public confidence in the Garda Síochána. ''

The Minister was introducing the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill establishing the authority.

Ms Fitzgerald called it a key element of the Government’s comprehensive programme of justice reform that delivered on a commitment she had made when assuming office.

The authority will oversee the Garda’s performance in its policing functions under a broad range of headings, she said.

These will include senior appointments, approving a three-year strategy statement and an annual policing plan, she said.

A Garda code of ethics would also be established, the Minister added.

Fianna Fáil's justice spokesman, Niall Collins, said his party fully supported the setting up of the authority.

“This authority has been deemed necessary,” he said, “following a number of revelations as to how the Garda Síochána has operated, the resignation of the Garda commissioner following an intervention from the Taoiseach, as shown in the Fennelly Commission interim report, and the failure of the Government and senior Garda management to respond to internal criticisms of malpractice within the force.”

Sinn Féin spokesman Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said the area of administration and application of justice in the State had a disturbing recent past.