GSOC should appear in front of Oireachtas Committee – Lombard

The members of the Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsman have agreed to invite the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) to appear before the committee, a Fine Gael Senator has confirmed.

Senator Tim Lombard wrote to the Cathaoirleach of the committee, Deputy Martin Browne, urging him to invite representatives from GSOC to appear at Leinster House in the near future.

“In light of recent events in Dublin, we need to hear a clear explanation of the complaints investigation process and a review is needed on the guidelines set out for members of An Garda Síochána.

“Fine Gael is committed to building stronger, safer communities and ensuring that An Garda Síochána are fully supported.

“Following the events in our capital on November 23rd, it’s essential that members of the force are aware of how they can respond in hostile situations. We do not want any garda to have any doubt about this when they are responding to scenes such as those seen in Dublin last month.

“Gardaí across the country have provided an immense service for more than 100 years in protecting the public, long may that continue.

“The work GSOC carries out is essential, but reforms may be needed and it’s important to address issues that occur.

“Questions have to be asked to GSOC as to why some members of the Gardaí felt that they had to be so restrained in their response on the night of November 23rd, and we would like to give GSOC the opportunity to answer these questions.

“It is of vital importance that current guidelines do not prevent members of An Garda Síochána from providing an appropriate and adequate response to public order incidents.

“We cannot have a repeat where members of the force were unsure of how they could respond to the rioters in our capital city.

“I hope GSOC now take up this invitation to come before the Public Petitions Committee,” Senator Lombard concluded.