Garda Bill to be published next month

JUSTICE MINISTER Michael McDowell is to publish the Garda Síochána Bill to establish a Garda Ombudsman before the Dáil reconvenes next month.

Publication of the bill comes after a year in which complaints to the Garda Complaints Board rose by 10%.

Announcing his legislative schedule for the coming term, Mr McDowell said the Garda Síochána Bill would not only reform the operation of the gardaí and provide for an independent Garda Ombudsman but would also "represent the most far-reaching reform of the structure and organisation of the Garda Síochána, since its establishment almost 80 years ago".