Garda reforms - Inspectorate must be fully independent

Since its foundation over 80 years ago the Garda Síochána has enjoyed a very good reputation with the confidence of the overwhelming majority of citizens.

But this confidence has been damaged in recent years by scandals and controversies, ranging from individual garda involvement in criminal activity, to the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the Abbeylara killing, and to those allegations of gross misconduct by gardaí in Donegal being investigated by the Morris Tribunal.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell yesterday published far-reaching reform proposals for An Garda Síochána. The Garda Commissioner will be made answerable to the Oireachtas.