The establishment of an independent policing authority will deliver "a sea-change'' in Garda oversight in the State, Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald has told the Dáil.

“I would reiterate that the overall objective of the Government’s programme of justice reform, of which the authority forms a key element, is to bring forward necessary changes to improve policing services in the State and to maintain public confidence in the Garda Siochana,’’ she added.

The Minister was introducing the Garda Siochana (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill establishing the authority.

She said it represented a key element of the Government’s comprehensive programme of justice reform and delivered on a commitment she had made when assuming office.

Ms Fitzgerald said the authority would oversee the Garda Siochana’s performance in its policing functions under a broad range of headings.

These would include senior appointments, approving a three-year strategy statement and an annual policing plan, she said.

A Garda code of ethics would be established, the Minister added.