Morris fallout sparks overhaul

JUSTICE MINISTER Michael McDowell last night announced sweeping reforms of the Garda Síochána in a dramatic response to the damning findings of the Morris reports.

Mr McDowell unveiled 11 amendments to the Garda Síochána Bill, including stringent new accountability requirements and a whistleblowers’ charter that will allow gardaí report fellow officers who they suspect of misconduct or corrupt practices.

The amendments were approved by Cabinet yesterday and were announced by Mr McDowell in the Dáil last night.

He said the amendments, all of which arise directly from the findings of Mr Justice Frederick Morris, would address many of the failings identified in the two reports, including the refusal of gardaí to account for their actions and the situation whereby the Minister for Justice and the Attorney General were denied information by the garda authorities. The amendments include:

* A new statutory obligation on gardaí to account for their actions to superior officers.

* Garda Commissioner will have power to dismiss gardaí of sergeant or inspector rank where the commissioner has lost confidence in their capacity to carry out their duties.

* The commissioner will be obliged to supply the minister with all information in relation to policing and security matters.

* The commissioner will be fully accountable to the minister and the Government.

* The minister may appoint an independent person to enquire into any garda practice that gives rise to public concern.

* Promotions panel will be independent of the Garda Síochána and will be Government-appointed.

* A whistleblowers charter that will allow garda officers raise suspicions of misbehaviour or corruption.

Mr McDowell said the bill, with the new amendments, would amount to a “root and branch reconstitution of An Garda Síochána”.

He said it would ensure accountability of the gardaí, to the Dáil and Seanad, and also to the Minister for Justice and the Government.

“The relationship between the Commissioner and the Minister for Justice, far from being a cosy cartel, should be a transparent relationship,” he said.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte and Fine Gael justice spokesman Jim O’Keeffe argued for the stalling of the legislation, to allow an independent commission assess the findings of the Morris Report.