Judiciary accused of humiliating gardaí

THE outgoing GRA president has accused members of the judiciary of appearing to take delight in embarrassing and humiliating gardaí.

Michael Kirby, in a hard-hitting speech to delegates at the association’s conference, said some members have to endure and suffer over-the-top criticism from a minority of judges.

“Who are these privileged elite answerable to? Effectively, no one. The fact is we are accountable to practically every citizen in the State and yet we are told we fear accountability.”

Mr Kirby made his comments as fears were expressed over parts of the proposed Garda Bill, under which an Ombudsman’s office will be set up.

Gardaí may become the unlikely allies of civil liberty groups if controversial sections of the bill are implemented.

Constitutional rights will be eroded for both Gardaí and any civilian connected to an investigation being carried out by the Ombudsman’s office, it is feared.

John Healy, GRA deputy general secretary, said: “Garda Ombudsman officials will be able to arrest a member against whom a complaint has been made without stating a reason for the arrest or without a warrant.”

In addition, Mr Healy said, they will be able to arrest any civilians who were in the presence of a member when the incident took place.

Failure to answer questions in relation to the complaints constitutes an offence, with possible fines and imprisonment. Searches can be conducted without a warrant, he added.

“Those arrested can be held without normal observation or the right to have the interrogation recorded.”

Aisling Reidy, of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, agreed there were questions to be asked about the legislation.

Ms Reidy, who will join a panel of speakers at the conference this morning, wants to examine the bill in more detail to check whether those parts highlighted by the Gardaí are contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights.