Former judge to advise on letters to Garda complainants

A former judge is being appointed to advise on the drafting of letters to those complaining of Garda misconduct, Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald has said.

“It is better to take that time now so as to provide complete reassurance on the probity and independence of the entire process from start to finish,” the Minister said.

Ms Fitzgerald told the Dáil that 319 complaints had been referred to a panel of counsel.

“Obviously, the volume and complexity of cases has changed the time frame and has led to the review taking longer than originally anticipated,” she added. “We wanted counsel to take time to examine all of the cases fully and carefully.”

Ms Fitzgerald said there were many cases which had already been through some form of process that involved the courts, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission or some other body.

Ms Fitzgerald was replying to Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Niall Collins, who said that in the previous 24 hours, he had received communications from two of the people affected.

“At a minimum, the fact that the Minister has now engaged a former member of the judiciary to help draft a reply should be communicated to each of the 319 people involved,’’ he added.

Mr Collins said those who had made complaints were concerned the process was drifting.

“Prior to this, they had lost confidence in the processes of State and now this process seems to be dragging on.’’