GSOC chair calls for legislative changes to tackle bureaucratic system
The chair of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has told TDs that legislative changes would help it more effectively handle complaints against gardaí.
GSOC chairperson Judge Mary Ellen Ring gave evidence to the Oireachtas justice committee earlier today.
She told committee members the existing system is cumbersome and overly bureaucratic, and a fifth of GSOC cases could be resolved by existing Garda line managers rather than a formal disciplinary process.
Judge Ring told the committee that legislative changes would allow GSOC to function more effectively and fairly.
She also criticised the lack of a uniform response from Garda management when GSOC recommends disciplianry action.
Judge Ring also called for legislation allowing it to apply to the courts for an order directing gardaí to provide information to the Ombudsman.