Sir, The Garda Siochana Complaints Board Report for 1994 makes most interesting reading. The total of 1,054 complaints received represents an increase of 22 per cent over the previous year. Indeed, the number of complaints has risen by 41 per cent over the past five years.
Of the 841 cases actually dealt with, 16 were judged to be a minor breach of discipline with no penalties being imposed. A further 12 cases were dealt with by the tribunal, and only four were found to be in breach of discipline. In one case there was no penalty, in the others fines of £100 to two weeks' pay were imposed. No garda was reduced in rank, required to resign, or dismissed. This gives only 20 cases out of 841 where a breach of discipline was found i.e., two per cent.
The dismal rate of dealing with the public's complaints was bettered only by the cases sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Of the 136 cases referred by the Garda Siochana Complaints Board, not a single one was proceeded with Surely the public would love to know the Garda's secret in avoiding prosecution 100 per cent of the time.
The sum of £3 may seem a lot of money for the small paperback which is the Garda Siochana Complaints Board Report. However, it is surely great value for a publication which is bound to become a major classic. Place your orders now for this outstanding work of fiction Yours, etc.. Kenwood Street, Dorchester, Boston.