Garda reform - Ombudsman must not be restricted

LIKE the curate’s egg, the Government’s long-awaited bill aimed at reforming the operations of the gardaí, is good in parts.

Running to more than 100 provisions, including a new Garda Volunteer Force, this legislative package is regarded by Justice Minister Michael McDowell as among the most important pieces of legislation in the lifetime of this Government.

All the more reason, therefore, to put it under the microscope. At one level, the public will welcome the setting up of a Garda Ombudsman Commission to investigate members of the force. Amid growing concerns about the conduct of gardaí, there is an urgent need for this. Nonetheless, Mr McDowell’s approach is highly questionable. Inevitably, the concept of a three-man commission is less satisfactory than the tried-and-tested format of the North’s Ombudsman, Nuala O’Loan, who has won immense respect for doing the job without fear, favour or compromise.