A brief explanation of the role of the commission and the inspectorate.
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provided for the establishment of two separate bodies, the Garda Ombudsman Commission and the Garda Inspectorate.
The Garda Ombudsman Commission replaces the Garda Complaints Board, and has a substantially expanded role than had the board.
It is required and empowered to directly and independently investigate complaints against members of the Garda Síochána; investigate any matter, even where no complaint has been made, where it appears that a Garda may have committed an offence or behaved in a way that would justify disciplinary proceedings; and investigate any practice, policy or procedure of the Garda Síochána with a view to reducing the incidence of related complaints.
The Ombudsman Commission members are Mr. Justice Kevin Haugh, judge of the High Court; Carmel Foley, currently the director of Consumer Affairs; and Conor Brady, former editor of The Irish Times.
The Garda Inspectorate is to carry out, at the request or with the consent of the Minister, inspections or inquiries in relation to any particular aspects of the operation and administration of the Garda Síochána.
It can also at the request of the Minister report on the operation and administration of the Garda in general during a specified period. It is to report to the Minister on its inquiries, and provide advice to the Minister on best policing practice.
The Garda Síochána Inspectorate does not have a role in the investigation of complaints about the conduct of members of the Garda Síochána.
The chief inspector is Kathleen O'Toole, former Boston police chief.
The other two inspectors announced yesterday are Robert Olson, former Minneapolis police chief and Gwen Boniface, former commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police.