Human Rights Commission wants Garda ombudsman

The Human Rights Commission today said it wants an independent Garda Ombudsman appointed and proposed legislation to make An Garda Siochána fully transparent and accountable.

The current Garda Complaints Board is seen as ineffective and lacking independence, according to on of the Human Right's Commissioner's Ms Fionnuala Ní Aoláin.

And over the next three years the Commission said it would also monitor closely proposed new EU-wide legislation to counter international terrorism and make recommendations to the Government where it perceives these proposed laws run counter to international human rights standards.

This statement followed the publication today of the Commission's first strategic plan 'Promoting and Protecting Human Rights in Ireland: A Plan for 2003-2006'.

The Commission also warned that while it recognises the need to moderinise criminal law, Government plans concerning the right to silence, the establishment of a DNA databank and retention of electronic data (mobile phone and e-mail records) must not infringe on safeguards to protect against injustice.

Concern was expressed by the Commission over the detention of children and young persons in custody. The lack of appropriate secure facilities for disturbed or distressed young persons not charged with any offence was also criticised.

President of the Commission, Dr Maurice Manning, said today: "Where we believe that human rights are not being protected, we will say so clearly and strongly and we will actively seek change in law, policy or practice in such cases".

The Commission identified key areas where it would focus its attention over the next three years including civil and political rights; racism, persons with disabilities and gender issues.

In the shorter term the Commission is expected to comment on the State's position on the US invasion of Iraq, the Amendments to the Freedom of Information Act and the proposed Criminal Trespass legislation.

It has expressed "substantial concerns" about the proposed Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Bill, published last December by the Minister for Justice, and designed to give effect to an EU Framework Decision on measures to combat international terrorism.

The Commission says many of the new provisions in the Bill go further than are strictly required by the EU Framework Directive.