Self-regulation: it’s time to end the cover-up
They are only being used to cover up errors.
All trades and professions should be asked to nominate a number of personnel, relative to their size, to be picked by open draw to form a pool that would provide a group of, say, three who would act as watchdog to all trades or professions other than their own for a fixed term.
This would ensure investigation of any alleged malpractice rather than covering up for colleagues. For example, an investigating panel for the gardaí could include a teacher, an engineer and a dentist.
Unfortunately, this proposal while transparent, not open to abuse, and still leaving the legal route open to anyone who was unhappy with the independent finding will fail because it hasn't cost millions in consultants' fees.
Jim Desmond,
Knock House,
Rochestown,
Cork.
