Collins welcomes O’Sullivan appointment as Garda Commissioner
Published on: 25 November 2014
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice and Equality has welcomed the appointment of Noirin O’Sullivan as the new Garda Commissioner.
Deputy Collins commented: “Noirin O’Sullivan took on the role of acting Garda Commissioner in March at a very difficult time for the force and has put in a solid performance since then. In taking up the permanent role of Commissioner she faces the substantial challenge of delivering on the reforms needed throughout our policing structures.
“An Garda Síochána is going through a reform process which will involve many structural changes but I also feel it is extremely important that the needs of frontline policing not be forgotten in that process. The Government needs to ensure that the proper resources are made available to allow gardaí to police our communities effectively. Successive cuts to the garda budget in recent years have undermined this.
“As I pointed out earlier this month with the appointment of Josephine Feehily as Chair of the new independent Garda Authority there are enormous challenges facing our law and order system. We need to see a culture of openness and accountability brought about within our policing structures.
“The management of An Garda Síochána, led by the new Commissioner, needs to ensure more supervision, transparency and oversight in the day to day operations of the force. This is a central recommendation in the recent Garda Inspectorate Report. The lack of this supervision and oversight was also one of the key reasons for the failures outlined in the Guerin Report and is becoming a common theme in these investigations.
“There is an historic opportunity to create a world class policing service in Ireland which not only serves and protects the public but is held up as an international example of best practice, transparency and accountability in years to come.”