Govt may establish independent body to probe Garda

Justice Minister John O’Donoghue has hinted that the Government plans to establish an independent body to investigate complaints against the Gardai.

Mr O’Donoghue said he has developed proposals for legislative changes in relation to the complaints procedure.

At present, complaints against Gardai are investigated by their fellow officers, a system that has attracted criticism from human rights activists throughout the world.

Earlier today, the Labour Party published its Garda Ombudsman Bill, which would establish an independent Ombudsman’s office similar to the one in operation in the North.