Board must be totally independent

A lack of resources, and defects in the structure of the Garda Síochána Complaints Board underline the need for a radical overhaul of the current system for dealing with complaints about the force by the general public.

As the above that criticism emanates from the chairman of the that board, solicitor Gordon Holmes, it warrants weighty consideration by the Government, because public confidence in the Gardaí is vital.

He made his comments yesterday on the publication of the board's annual report, which showed that there were a record number of complaints received last year.