9th January 2004

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY CALLS FOR FULLY INDEPENDENT GARDA OMBUDSMAN AND STAFF

The Green Party has called for the proposed Garda Ombudsman’s office to be completely independent from An Garda Síochána.

“Public confidence in the Gardaí is at an all time low” stated the Green Party’s Justice Spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD, “It is crucial that Minister McDowell ensures that the proposed Office of the Ombudsman is fully independently staffed from the outset. The current arrangements whereby the Gardai investigates cases presented to the Garda Complaints Board are completely inappropriate. The Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman’s Office is an appropriate model that this Government should consider.

“We must also review training and recruitment procedures. ‘Square-bashing’ in Templemore is irrelevant to modern policing. Gardaí should also be recruited at more senior ranks, as well as at entrance grades.

ENDS