26/05/2016

Commission Report Presents 'Inescapable Lessons' For An Garda Síochána - O Sullivan

The O'Higgins Commission Report presents "inescapable lessons" for An Garda Síochána, Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan has said.

In a statement released on the Garda website, the Commissioner said that the force must "radically and permanently change" how the force deals with whistleblower's and "apply the insights and learnings" in developing a Garda Whistleblower's Charter.

The Commissioners statement continued: "There are clear constraints around the question of making public comment about this matter. I cannot offend against the basic principles of the rule of law; and that regard must be had to the statutory confidentiality of Commission proceedings, the relationship between lawyers and their clients and questions of basic fairness."

Ms O'Sullivan said that as Garda Commissioner she fully accepted the findings of the Report, and said "it falls to me to move swiftly to implement its recommendations."

The statement can be read in full on the garda website.

(MH/LM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

11 December 2012
Garda Arrested In Connection With Sexual Assault
A garda has been arrested by Garda Ombudsman Commission investigators and is being questioned about a sexual attack. The garda has been suspended by the Garda Commissioner and is being detained at Loughrea Garda Station. He is the first member of the force to be arrested by the Garda Ombudsman.
14 December 2009
Commissioner Condemns Shooting Incident In Dublin
The Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy has condemned a shooting incident, which resulted in the injury of a Garda this morning in Dublin. The incident occurred on Greenfort Close, Clondalkin, Dublin at approximately 1.15am.
18 March 2014
Dedicated Garda Unit Needed To Tackle Gun Crime
A dedicated garda unit is needed to tackle a "dramatic" spike in gun crime, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins has said. Deputy Collins made the call as gardaí investigate three separate gun attacks in West Dublin in as many days.
01 August 2012
Garda Compensation Scheme Approved
Proposals for a revised Garda compensation scheme were published today by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr Alan Shatter, TD. The scheme relates to a death or injury which is maliciously inflicted upon a member of the Garda Síochána while on duty or in connection with their duties.
27 August 2015
Garda Commissioner Statement On PIRA Allegations
Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan has issued a statement on the investigation being carried out by the Police Service of Northern Ireland in to the murder of Kevin McGuigan and allegations about the existence of the Provisional IRA.