Drew Harris concerned by enhanced powers for Garda watchdog

Garda Commissioner says he must protect constitutional rights of gardaí

Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris at the annual conference of the Association of Garda Superintendents in Naas, Co Kildare, on Wednesday. Picture: Colin Keegan/ Collins

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris is seeking changes to key legislation which plans to give extensive powers to the Garda Ombudsman.

The police boss said Garda members and civilian staff are citizens and have rights both under the Constitution and European laws and that, as their employer, he has an “obligation” to ensure those rights are respected.