GRA accuses Government of knee-jerk politics

The largest garda staff association has accused the Government of "knee- jerk" politics in pushing through "inordinate and undue" new powers for the Garda Ombudsman.

The Garda Representative Association has called for the proposals, published by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald a fortnight ago, to be put on hold pending a proper examination and clarity about the accountability of GSOC’s commissioners.

GRA general secretary PJ Stone criticised GSOC for failing to supply files in time to the Guerin review — which examined Sergeant Maurice McCabe’s allegations — and failing to mention instances of physical surveillance to an Oireachtas committee.