1 June 2005
Green Party calls for
recommendations of Morris report to be implemented immediately
The
Green Party has called for the recommendations of the second Morris report to be
implemented as a matter of urgency. It also called for the establishment of a
properly independent body to investigate fully any complaints made against the
Gardaí.
Ciarán
Cuffe TD, Green Party Justice spokesperson,
said today that, “The second report of the Morris Tribunal is a damning
indictment of the Gardaí. It confirms that prejudice and negligence of the
highest degree influenced the Garda investigation in Donegal.”
“The
tribunal has cost millions of taxpayers’ money and it is important that its
findings and recommendations be debated and acted on without any further delay.
These include the need for a properly independent body to investigate any
complaints against the Garda.”
“Rather
than the proposed Ombudsman Commission we instead need a single Ombudsman with
whom the buck stops. That person should also have independent staff rather than
rank and file Gardaí.”
“However,
the Garda Bill provides for the employment of Gardaí by the Ombudsman
Commission itself. It also provides for the delegation of the Commissions powers
to those Garda members. Justice Morris says in the report the question ‘Who
can I turn to?’ recurred again and again to those affected by these events in
Donegal. The Minister’s answer in the Garda Bill is: A Garda seconded to the
Ombudsman Commission.”
“Justice
Morris notes that several members of the Gardaí continue to serve, despite
being severely criticised in the first report and in most cases despite having
lied to the Tribunal. The Tribunal was told by the Deputy Garda Commissioner
that under current legislation they could not be dismissed. Means of removing
such Gardai from office must be added to the Garda Bill 2004. And means of
questioning the pension entitlements of those who would be dismissed if they
were still serving in the force.”
|
CiaranCuffe.com