Garda 'Learning From Past Mistake' - Commissioner O'Sullivan

Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan has said that the force will examine what lessons can be learnt and ensure issues raised by final report of the O'Higgins Commission are fully address.

In a statement, published on the An Garda Síochána website, the Garda Commissioner said: "Our immediate concern, arising out of the O'Higgins Commission, must be with victims who believe - with justification, they were not dealt with properly by An Garda Síochána. We are sorry the victims did not get the service they were entitled to, and we will seek to work with them.

"A key element of our modernisation and renewal programme is ensuring victims are at the heart of the Garda Service and they get the service they are entitled to. In order to ensure a victim centred approach our first steps have been the setting-up of 28 Victim Service Offices throughout the country to keep victims up-to-date on the progress of their case through the justice system and the establishment of the National Protective Services Bureau, which among its work provides support for vulnerable victims. These measures will help ensure we meet our obligations under the EU Victim Rights Directive."

Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan said that service was "learning from our past mistakes", with a number of new initiatives being implemented as part of An Garda Síochána's modernisation and renewal programme. 

"Every day, the men and women of An Garda Síochána do great work to protect and support communities. In doing this, they consistently show great depth of character, resolve and commitment. The initiatives we are undertaking as part of our modernisation and renewal programme are designed to ensure they have the necessary supports to provide the very best service to the communities we serve."

(MH/LM)