McDowell announces 11 amendments to Garda Bill

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has announced 11 proposed amendments to his Garda Bill, which is due to be debated in the Dáil over the coming two days.

The amendments would allow the Garda Commissioner to bypass disciplinary procedures and sack gardaí up to the rank of inspector if he believes they undermine public confidence in the force.

They also include an obligation on gardaí to account for their actions while on duty, measures to make the Commissioner more accountable to the Government and increased powers allowing the Minister for Justice to inquire into any aspect of garda operations.

The amendments are unlikely to appease the opposition, however, as it has been seeking a complete review of the Garda Bill in line with the recommendations of the Morris Tribunal into garda corruption in Donegal.