28th August 2003

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY CALL FOR GARDA OMBUDSMAN BEFORE GRANTING GARDAI ADDITIONAL POWERS

The Green Party has called on the Minister for Justice to bring forward proposals for a Garda Ombudsman prior to giving the Gardaí any additional powers.

Green Party Justice spokesperson, Ciarán Cuffe TD, said today that the Green Party is concerned that the Criminal Justice Bill 2003 proposes the granting of significantly increased detention times without any mention of an independent Garda Inspectorate.

"The Programme for Government contained a commitment to 'establish an independent Garda Inspectorate, which will have the power to investigate complaints, and which will have the powers of an ombudsman'."  Minister McDowell is now putting the cart before the horse. It is imperative that an Ombudsman be appointed prior to granting the Gardaí any additional powers".

"The Gardai have to be accountable to an independent body if they are to command the public's trust and respect. This can be best achieved by putting in place a Garda Ombudsman as a balance and as an appropriate protection before any move toward granting additional power", he concluded.

ENDS