Investigators in the Garda's new watchdog will be trained by a UK university, it emerged today.
Staff in the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission will attend a course accredited to the University of Portsmouth from February to April next year.
The Commission, which replaces the Garda Siochana Complaints Board, will independently investigate public complaints against the force and scrutinise general policy and practices.
The University of Portsmouth has won the Government tender to supply a university-accredited training programme for the Commission's investigators and case officers.
The south English coast institution already runs undergraduate and postgraduate courses in policing and criminology. It is not clear if the Commission staff will have to attend the university or can study remotely in an Irish campus or through distance learning facilities.
Former High Court judge, Mr Justice Kevin Haugh is chairman of the three-person Commission which also includes former Director of Consumer Affairs Carmel Foley and former Irish Times editor Conor Brady.
Former UK police detective superintendent Paul Buschini was appointed last week as director of investigations of the new watchdog. He recently served as a a police adviser to the government of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Ombudsman Commission will be headquartered in Smithfield, Dublin but also have offices in Roscrea and Longford town.
The watchdog's official role is to directly and independently investigate complaints against gardai and recommend disciplinary action if necessary.
It will also have a remit to probe any practice, policy or procedure which has been found to cause concern.
Justice Minister Michael McDowell said of the new Commission: "It is vital that we have an independent complaints mechanism to maintain public confidence in, and support of, an Garda Siochana."