Accountability - Change in attitudes is essential

It must concern anyone who values the integrity of the State’s relationship with its citizens that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has been so openly critical of the force’s response to their investigations.

That the GSOC should say some of the information provided by gardaí into the use of batons at a protest in Dublin was “misleading and later proved to be incorrect” only deepens that concern. The GSOC has also criticised “deliberate delays” on information requests. The office did not receive information — film footage — until two years after the protest. Protocols decree such requests be complied with within 30 days. The office has been critical, too, of the garda practice of asking why certain information was required, insisting the GSOC remit makes such explanations unnecessary.

This report is the latest bout in an uneasy relationship between the GSOC and the gardaí. Some weeks ago GSOC executives — including chairman Simon O’Brien — told an Oireachtas committee about their unhappiness with the gardaí. Subsequently, Commissioner Martin Callinan met Mr O’Brien “with a view to creating greater efficiency between both agencies”. It is important that relationship blossoms, as the gardaí are not beyond being held to account. Society needs to know, too, that the GSOC is an effective watchdog rather than another empty gesture towards the idea of accountability. Neither should the force risk its hard- won credibility and respected position by leaving itself open to continual criticism. The GSOC also needs time to establish a record of impartiality and effectiveness. A successful relationship can only strengthen both organisations and as one becomes more familiar with the expectations of the other, that should be achieved. However, it would not be unreasonable to expect that a better relationship should have been established by now. Yesterday’s Garda announcement of a centralised system to respond to GSOC requests may facilitate that.

Though our police are the immediate focus, the force’s seeming discomfort with accountability reflects a society-wide culture of imagined independence, self-asserted autonomy often epitomised by self-regulation. After all, it is not so very long since the Health Service Executive refused to answer reasonable questions posed by Dáil deputies. Teacher unions have steadfastly opposed the publication of school league tables. Hardly a day passes without some local authority or other state agency hiding behind the default deflection — “we do not discuss individual cases”. Some official inspections are flagged well in advance, making them almost pointless. Our aversion to accountability extends to precluding parliament from holding investigations and having their conclusions regarded as fact.

Accountability — and transparency — is no more than the pursuit of the highest standards of performance and integrity. Any effective and progressive society — or organisation — would embrace it. This cultural glitch has cost us dearly and will until we accept that it is an agent for positive change right across society.

Before it was elected, our Government promised to strengthen procedures that facilitate accountability and transparency. Some progress has been made despite a huge cultural apathy. It is not overstating the case to say that the recovery and development of this society will not be complete until a new attitude towards accountability is the everyday reality rather than a resented intrusion.