Minister can veto GSOC probe of Garda commissioner

The Garda Ombudsman will only be able to investigate the Garda commissioner if the minister for justice agrees to it, according to draft legislation published yesterday.

The ability to investigate the police boss was cited as one of the biggest expansions in the power of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission following the raft of controversies enveloping the gardaí and the justice system.

GSOC has sought the power and it was recommended by an Oireachtas Justice Committee report over a month ago.