Justice review and Garda accountability
Deputy Boyd Barrett sought clarity on the promised external review of justice-related matters and argued that Garda management failures required real accountability. The Minister for Justice said the review would focus on disclosure issues and would not cover Policing Authority or Garda disciplinary matters, though he would discuss the concerns further.
Yesterday, following the resignation of the Tánaiste, the Taoiseach referred to the Department of Justice and Equality as dysfunctional. We are all aware of the issues to be examined by the disclosures tribunal, which we will discuss this evening. The Taoiseach promised an external review of all the matters that have arisen in recent weeks. Given those very strong statements, will he indicate the precise extent of this external review of matters related to the Department of Justice and Equality? The issues are relevant not only to the whistleblower scandal but are also evident in the discovery that 2 million false breath tests were carried out by gardaí and there were 15,000 wrongful convictions as a result. More than 100 solicitors are taking legal action of behalf of some of those who were wrongly convicted.
Comment on this
The O'Sullivan report suggested there will be no accountability from those in top Garda management and no disciplinary action imposed on them. These are the people who were condemned in the report for the incredible level of malpractice within the force. The public does not accept a level of dysfunctionality that results in 2 million false breath tests and 15,000 wrongful convictions. We must have accountability in this regard.
Comment on this
Will this issue be part of the sweep of justice-related matters the Taoiseach has promised will take place?
Comment on this
I do not anticipate that the sweep, as referred to by the Deputy, will include matters germane to the Policing Authority or the Garda Síochána. The defined terms of reference of the external review refer to the disclosure or otherwise of documentation to the disclosures tribunal. I understand the Deputy's comments arise out of reports of the meeting that took place last week between the acting Garda Commissioner and the Policing Authority. I look forward to meeting again shortly with the chairman and members of the authority, at which meeting the matter the Deputy has raised will be given further consideration. My understanding is that an investigation is under way under the auspices of an assistant commissioner. The particulars of that investigation will be tendered to me on its completion.