Resolution of Garda issues should uphold ‘trust’ in force - Burton

The terms of reference for the Commission of Inquiry into the Garda taping controversy will be agreed by the Cabinet in conjunction with the Attorney General and Mr Justice Niall Fennelly, Joan Burton said today.

The Minister for Social Protection said she expected the Cabinet to get more details tomorrow about the terms of reference for Mr Justice Fennelly’s commission of inquiry into the events which led to the retirement of former Garda commissioner, Martin Callinan

“The judge will be in a position to advise the Government on any changes that should be made in the justice area arising out of the different controversies ..... I am sure Mr Justice Niall Fennelly will have a view…in conjunction [with] and on the advice of the Attorney General,” she said.

“The terms of reference in relation to the Commission of Inquiry will be decided in conjunction with the Attorney General and with Judge Fennelly ....I haven’t seen the terms of reference yet but my understanding is that all relevant matters will be included,” she said.

Speaking in Cork during a canvass in the English Market with local and European election Labour Party candidates, Ms Burton said she expected the terms of references would allow Mr Justice Fennelly to examine the 25 to 30 year history of taping in Garda stations.

“As it happened, the public disclosure of that recording happened on the watch of this Government although clearly from everything we have heard, lots of people in Garda stations were aware of it and other people were not aware of it.”

"They have come to light on our watch and it is for this Government to resolve the issues in a way that upholds the importance of the Garda Síochána and the trust and respect that people should have in the force."

“Now we have to address it and deal with it,” she said.

“What we want to emerge from this – we want a Garda Síochána force that has the respect and confidence of the public because these are the people who protect us from harm and these are the people who put their lives on the line.”

“We want proper oversight and we want a long-held Labour view, which has now been agreed on by the Government, that there is a Garda authority to strengthen the oversight,” said Ms Burton adding there will always be tension between gardaí and any oversight body.