Garda Ombudsman workload under control

The Garda Ombudsman Commission says it now has its workload under control after initially struggling with the volume of complaints received following its establishment.

The organisation says the number of complaints awaiting assessment by its officers was down 33% on last year.

A total of 2,681 complaints were received, while 2,249 cases were closed during the year.

The Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, meanwhile, has reported a 39% increase in complaints last year.

A total of 106 complaints were investigated by the body during 2008.

A final report was issued in 34 cases, with 60% upheld in favour of the complainant.