Main points of Garda Bill

Role and functions of Garda Síochána spelled out for first time, including duty to have regard to human rights;

Role and functions of Garda Síochána spelled out for first time, including duty to have regard to human rights;

Ombudsman Commission to take over investigation of complaints against members of the force, with its own investigators;

Ombudsman Commission to have power to arrest, detain, take forensic samples, seize documents and enter Garda stations in course of investigations;

Creation of a new offence of unauthorised disclosure of information obtained in course of Garda duties if this is "likely to have harmful effect";

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This to carry maximum penalty of €50,000 or five years' imprisonment, €75,000 or seven years if bribery involved;

New local policing committees to be set up involving local authorities and the Garda Síochána as forums for discussing local policing matters;

Legislative basis laid down for a volunteer Garda reserve force;

State organisations to be empowered to organise their own security, in order to free up members of the Garda Síochána;

The Garda Síochána to charge for policing at certain events;

The Minister, with the consent of the Government, to be able to direct the Garda Commissioner on specific policing matters.