No statutory powers for GSOC review

A judge-led review of the alleged bugging of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission will last eight weeks but will not be given statutory powers.

It will review all documents and reports surrounding the issue but will not call witnesses and will have no powers to compel people to give evidence

The advice of technical experts on surveillance can also be called on by the judge.

The terms and conditions are being set by Justice Minister Alan Shatter, who is being advised by the Attorney General. These terms will be announced today.

A retired High Court judge will lead the review and the appointment was being finalised last night.

Mr Shatter will receive the final report and the full copy of this will be laid before the Oireachtas, therefore making it public.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said yesterday the review would not include witnesses.

The review falls short of demands from the Irish Council of Civil Liberties, which urged an independent probe under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004.

A Government spokes-man last night said “any and every assistance would be provided” to the judge.

The spokesman said the review did not need legislation but would be a “transparent and complete investigation”.

He said the decision for the review was based on the fact that information had become known to the justice minister and that this was a “significant factor” in deciding on the judge-led probe.

This information was given by the minister to his Cabinet colleagues yesterday and “reduced clarity” around the issue, the spokesman said.

The spokesman said it was still the Cabinet’s opinion that there was “no definitive” evidence of any bugging of GSOC.

Separately, the Oireachtas Justice Committee will be asked to look over and review the current legislation governing GSOC.