Calls for GSOC to be given power to investigate poor standards in force

The Garda Ombudsman should be empowered to investigate poor standards of policing, inspect Garda stations uninhibited, and commence its own inquiries.

The widening of powers available to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has been recommended as part of a review of oversight in the force.

The Irish Human Rights Commission has included the recommendations in its submission to the Oireachtas Justice Committee, which is expected to begin hearings on Garda reform next month.

The IHRC has highlighted “weaknesses” in the Garda legislation and made suggestions on setting up a policing authority, which the Government has committed to do this year.

The authority should be set up alongside GSOC, says the IHRC, and should draw its representation from across society, including from minorities and members of the public.

The authority should also set performance targets for the force, monitor compliance by gardaí, and appoint, discipline, and ultimately dismiss senior garda management, the IHRC says.

Human rights chiefs also question whether the remit of GSOC was “too narrow and whether it should be extended to include poor standards of service provided by An Garda Síochána”.

It also believes GSOC should also be allowed probe all complaints involving gardaí. The current situation means only cases regarding “death or serious harm” are subject to mandatory investigation. “The clear and overriding advantage of this proposal is that public confidence would be bolstered in the knowledge that complaints against An Garda Síochána are addressed in a verifiably independent manner, while obviating criticism of An Garda Síochána for inability to self regulate,” the IHRC said.

No restrictions should apply on members of the force reporting issues to the Garda ombudsman, the submission states. Under the current law, gardaí cannot lodge complaints to GSOC.

The Garda commissioner should also report some matters to the new garda authority rather than the justice minister, IHRC says, adding that GSOC should be allowed to instigate investigations into Garda policies or practice without the decision of the justice minister.