Labour backs Garda Authority

LABOUR yesterday renewed its call for a Garda Authority to make the force more accountable and to remove any potential for political interference.

Launching its policy document on safe and secure communities in Dublin, the party’s justice spokesman Brendan Howlin said an authority would bring greater public scrutiny and greater accountability to the gardaí.

When Tánaiste Michael McDowell’s objection that it would create an unnecessary further layer of bureaucracy was put to him, Mr Howlin denied it would disempower politicians from scrutinising the force. He said that at present TDs are denied information when questioning the Justice Minister about garda operations and strategies.