Liam Reid,
Political Reporter
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has announced the appointment of Mr Justice Kevin Haugh of the High Court to chair the new three-person Garda Ombudsman's Commission. The former editor of The Irish Times Conor Brady and director of Consumer Affairs Carmel Foley have also been appointed to the body.
The new commission will have the power to carry out independent investigations into complaints against individual gardaí using its own staff, with powers to access files and other materials and to interview individuals.
It can also investigate incidents where no complaint has been made but where a garda may have committed an offence, in addition to investigating "any practice, policy or procedure of the Garda Síochána with a view to reducing the incidence of related complaints".
Announcing the appointments, Mr McDowell said it was "vital that we have an independent complaints mechanism to maintain public confidence in, and support of, An Garda Síochána".
"I am delighted with the calibre of the people who have agreed to serve on the ombudsman commission," the Minister said.
"Judge Haugh, who has agreed to chair the body, is a judge of high standing, Ms Foley brings a particular expertise to the position given her background as a highly respected public servant and her experience as director of Consumer Affairs, while Mr Brady's unique experience as a journalist and management experience as editor of The Irish Times will be extremely valuable to the commission in their important work on behalf of the State."
The Garda Ombudsman's Commission was established in the wake of the first report of the Morris tribunal and replaces the existing Garda Complaints Board which was described by the tribunal as inadequate.