Gsoc alarmed at bill allowing Garda boss 'block' station searches

GSOC said giving the commissioner the power to block searches of garda stations 'seriously undermined' its independent oversight.

The Garda Ombudsman has expressed “serious concerns” at proposed laws which state that any search by it of a garda station must first get the green light of the Garda Commissioner.

Gsoc said that instead of strengthening its powers in this sensitive area, provisions in a landmark policing reform bill will actually result in a “significant dilution” of its search powers.