GSOC submits plea for greater powers

The Garda Ombudsman Commission has told the Department of Justice it wants powers to investigate a Garda commissioner free from the stranglehold of having to get permission from the Government.

GSOC, which investigates complaints and other incidents involving gardaí, says its “operational independence is compromised by the requirement”.

It also wants powers to carry out unannounced searches of Garda stations. Under current laws, it must give advance notice to the Garda commissioner.