Statement By Taoiseach On Seanad Éireann Approval Of Draft Bill

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has published a statement on the Seanad Éireann approval of the draft Commission of Investigation (Certain Matters relative to An Garda Síochána and other persons) Order 2014,

The Taoiseach's order reads:

At its meeting on 25 March, the Government considered very serious matters relating to An Garda Síochána. The implications of these were potentially of such gravity that the Government decided to establish a statutory Commission of Investigation to examine all matters of public concern relating to the issue.

In the context of ongoing legal proceedings in a particular case, it was learned that a system was in place in a large number of Garda stations whereby incoming and outgoing telephone calls were recorded. From the information available, the practice of making recordings was in place for many years and was discontinued in November of 2013. It is now public knowledge that the case in question is the Bailey case.

Subsequently, at its meeting on 1 April, the Government decided to appoint Mr. Justice Nial Fennelly, currently serving as a Judge of the Supreme Court, as Chair of the Commission of Investigation.

The Government also decided that An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice & Equality should:

• ensure the retention and preservation of all tapes;

• complete a full inventory of all tapes; and

• devise arrangements to ensure that tapes can be accessed, as required and in accordance with the law.

The Government also decided to establish a new Cabinet Committee on Justice Reform to oversee the development of proposals for an independent police authority, and other associated reforms to the policing and justice system.

The Taoiseach's full statement can be read here.