McDowell defends his plans for Garda inspectorate

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell yesterday denied his plans for a new Garda inspectorate would undermine the role of the Garda Ombudsman Commission.

Various groups, including members of the Opposition and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL), have criticised the inspectorate proposal. Rank-and-file gardaí are also uneasy. The Garda Representative Association believes the inspectorate will ultimately answer to the justice minister and therefore be open to political interference.

The ICCL’s Tanya Ward said the inspectorate plan was “flawed and nonsensical,” saying it risked undermining the ombudsman commission.