Justice Minister to appoint former judge to oversee Garda misconduct claims

The Justice Minister will appoint a former judge to oversee the process of claims of Garda misconduct.

Legal counsel have been examining over 300 individual claims of alleged misconduct in the force and is to recommend if any of them require a tribunal of inquiry.

Frances Fitzgerald has said that she has received the first batch of assessments from the legal counsel, and she believes a former judge should oversee the writing of decisions to individual complainants.

"I have decided to appoint a former judicial figure to advise on the preparation of the letter and the communications to the complainants," said Minister Fitzgerald.

"I believe it is better to take time now to provide complete reassurance, on the probity and independence of the entire process from start to finish. I believe that is the best way to communicate the decisions from the council."