GSOC welcomes €1m increase to carry out expanded functions

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has welcomed a €1m increase in its budget for next year.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said the increase — representing a 13% rise in GSOC funding — was to “strengthen the role and remit” of the commission.

A spokeswoman for GSOC said: “We welcome the provision of additional funding to resource the Garda Ombudsman’s activities in 2015. We deal with over 2,000 complaints per annum, with already stretched resources.