The professionalism of gardaí in all divisions is to be monitored by a new internal unit, it was announced today.
The Garda Professional Standards Unit (GPSU) is being established in response to the Morris tribunal, which reported that gardaí in Donegal had framed two men for murder, planted false explosives, and lied about their activities.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said the unit was a key part of the ongoing reform of the force under the 2005 Garda Act.
"The GPSU will enable An Garda Síochána to ensure that organisational efforts and initiatives are driven strategically and that value for money and international best practise in professional, ethical and human rights standards are maintained," he said.
The unit will be headed by a Garda chief superintendent and will have nearly 30 staff.
It is understood that one of its key roles will be to examine investigation files across all Garda divisions and pinpoint any problems or lines of investigation that have been missed.
Garda Headquarters had intended to grant more autonomy to Garda divisions under its Strategic Management Initiative, but this plan had to be re-assessed in light of the damning Morris report.
Mr McDowell is also to set up a three-person Ombudsman Commission to deal with complaints against the gardaí and a Garda Inspectorate that will operate independently of the force.
The establishment of the unit is not expected to encounter any resistance from the main Garda associations.