The shocking events investigated by the Morris tribunal, when a number of gardaí in Donegal broke the law, fabricated evidence and were protected by their colleagues, cannot be allowed to recur. New regulations and disciplinary procedures were introduced as a result and the Garda Ombudsman Commission was established to ensure quick and impartial investigations of public complaints. It now appears that the work of the commission is being thwarted by deliberate delays.
A certain amount of friction was inevitable between the Garda Síochána and an agency with the job of investigating the behaviour of its members. Initially, there was broad acceptance of the commission. But, as complaints and incidents involving gardaí were investigated and pronounced upon, the level of voluntary cooperation fell. As the commission's workload increased, a proposal that only important cases should be referred to it was ignored. Like its discredited predecessor, it was in danger of being buried by an avalanche of cases. In addition, access to necessary Garda files and information was either being delayed or denied.
Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has insisted there must be "maximum cooperation between the force and the commission". He is right. Anything less would risk a slippage in Garda discipline or a loss of public confidence in policing structures. Mr Shatter will meet Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and members of the commission to deal with some of the issues that have arisen. It is a delicate situation and the Minister is not known for his sensitivity. Whatever about that, the commission must be allowed to operate speedily and effectively. Ifinvestigations are being routinely frustrated on the grounds that the information sought is not relevant, that must end. Protocols designed to ensure smooth cooperation should be implemented.
At stake is not just public confidence in the Garda Ombudsman Commission but in the willingness of members of the Garda Síochána to operate to the highest possible standards.