Minister Shatter announces the appointment of a High Court Judge to review all matters of relevance to issues of controversy and concern relating to GSOC

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, has today said,

“I have briefed Cabinet today on developments that have occurred in relation to the GSOC controversy following on from the Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions hearing last Wednesday. I have also briefed the Cabinet in relation to further information and documentation received from GSOC and further technical information I have received regarding the alleged surveillance of GSOC.

“In light of the above, it was agreed at Cabinet today to appoint a retired High Court Judge to enquire into all matters of relevance.

“Over two weeks ago, before this controversy developed, I announced that I would be bringing to Cabinet a number of amendments to the Garda Síochána Act 2005 relating to GSOC. It was agreed at Cabinet today that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality would be asked to hold such hearings as it deems appropriate and necessary and to make any recommendations as to amendments it proposes be made to the 2005 Act. I look forward to receiving their recommendations.

“I will be appearing tomorrow before the Joint Oireachtas Petitions Committee and will answer any questions that arise in relation to GSOC following on from the meeting it held Wednesday last.

“I will be addressing all of these matters in the Dáil tonight.”