Harris welcomes referral of penalty points allegations to Garda Ombudsman

Fine Gael Wicklow and member of the Public Accounts Committee, Simon Harris, has this evening (Monday) welcomed the referral of penalty points allegations to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) by the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter TD.

“I welcome the decision by Minister Shatter to refer the penalty points issue to the GSOC. It is a

helpful intervention that is very much in the public interest.

“My concern has always been that any allegations of wrongdoing be fully and properly investigated. The forum in which this investigation takes place was never my primary concern.

“The GSOC is an independent authority, which is well placed to fully investigate the complaints that have been made by the whistle-blowers in question.

“Upholding the well placed public confidence in the Gardaí and the integrity of the force is of paramount importance.  

“The current limitations of GSOC, which mean a member of the Gardaí cannot directly make a complaint to it, have proved problematic in this controversy. I cannot help but think that if members of the Gardaí could directly refer concerns to the GSOC, if they are unhappy with internal procedures, there never would have been a need to involve a parliamentary committee. I welcome the Minister’s recognition of these shortcomings and his intention to review the current situation.

“There is an onus on anyone with any information on this issue to cooperate with the GSOC investigation. As a member of the PAC I certainly intend to do so, and I expect my colleagues on the Committee will do likewise.”

ENDS