New structures are required to ensure that standards and public trust in the Garda Síochána is maintained, the Minister for Justice said today.
Speaking at the graduation of 161 officers at the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary, Mr McDowell said the proposed Garda Inspectorate was central to reinforcing public confidence in the force.
"The current Programme for Government lays down a firm commitment to deliver on this new Inspectorate, which will independently investigate complaints against members of the Force, and which will, in that regard, have the powers of an Ombudsman," he said.
He told the graduates that the values of the force - dedicated service to the public and the State and impartial enforcement of the law - remain central to the Garda Síochána.
The Government would honour its pledge to bring the strength of the force up to 14,000 by 2007 he said. The Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne also attended the ceremony.
