Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice Niall Collins has wished Simon O’Brien well following the announcement that he is to leave the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to take up a new post in the UK.
Deputy Collins said: “I want to thank Simon O’Brien for his service at GSOC. Prior to becoming chair of the Commission three years ago he served as a Deputy to the Chief Inspector of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate where his work included leading inspections into the investigation of child sexual abuse. Mr. O’Brien has undertaken important work in Ireland and I wish him well for the future.
“I will be urging Minister Fitzgerald to quickly engage an open, transparent process to appoint a new Chair of GSOC. Unfortunately I still believe the Government undermined GSOC in the past year, particularly under former Justice Minister Alan Shatter, and public confidence in its role and authority needs to be restored. The relationship that GSOC has with the public as well as with An Garda Síochána is extremely important. There is a huge challenge ahead in the justice area and a strong, independent Ombudsman is crucial going forward.
“Fianna Fáil will continue to engage constructively with the Government in seeking to strengthen GSOC, establish the independent Policing Authority and ensure Ireland has a world-class criminal justice and policing structure we can be proud of.”