A Garda Ombudsman Commission has begun its work in formally dealing with public complaints against members of the force. That development should be welcomed, given the failure of the old Garda Complaints Board to retain public confidence and uphold proper policing standards. But inordinate delays and the limited nature of recent Garda reforms remain a cause for concern.
Six years ago, then minister for justice John O'Donoghue proposed the establishment of a three-person inspectorate, to replace the Garda Complaints Board, in response to growing public concern that discipline had broken down. It was a limited reaction in the face of powerful interests. Additional powers and the word "ombudsman" were later introduced by Michael McDowell, arising from the work of the Morris tribunal in Co Donegal. But the Government refused to adopt the successful Northern Ireland reform model and appoint a single, powerful Ombudsman, along with a police authority that would be answerable to the community rather than to the Department of Justice.
Three-quarters of a loaf is better than no bread, however, and there is no denying the importance of change that is now taking place. And while the majority of complaints the ombudsman commission receives are likely to be dealt with through mediation, its professional staff - many of whom worked in foreign police forces - will have extensive powers to investigate possible breaches of the law. That means they can enter police stations and question, search and detain suspects and seize evidence. In the past, co-operation was withheld from the Garda Complaints Board and, on occasion, citizens were intimidated into dropping complaints.
Other important reforms are under way. The Garda Síochána is being modernised at the highest levels. Civilian specialists are being employed to fill senior positions. Regional officers will be given additional powers. And excessive specialisation will be tackled. These administrative reforms are designed to encourage efficiency and competition within the organisation. Recruitment and promotion boards will be restructured. And political patronage will be reduced.
Next month, Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy will be given the power to summarily dismiss a garda he suspects of grave misconduct. In the past, legal challenges by individuals and non-co-operation frequently frustrated disciplinary action. Progress is being made. Accountability within the force and good morale are vital. So is public confidence. The Garda Ombudsman Commission has an important role to play.