Garda Síochána Act 2005

Objective and functions.

117.— (1) The objective of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate is to ensure that the resources available to the Garda Síochána are used so as to achieve and maintain the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness in its operation and administration, as measured by reference to the best standards of comparable police services.

(2) The functions of the Inspectorate are—

(a) in furtherance of its objective to carry out, at the request or with the consent of the Minister, inspections or inquiries in relation to any particular aspects of the operation and administration of the Garda Síochána,

(b) to submit to the Minister—

(i) a report on those inspections or inquiries, and

(ii) if required by the Minister, a report on the operation and administration of the Garda Síochána during a specified period and on any significant developments in that regard during that period,

and

(c) to provide advice to the Minister with regard to best policing practice.

(3) Any report prepared under subsection (2)(b) shall, where appropriate, contain recommendations for any action that the Inspectorate considers necessary.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), the Minister shall cause copies of any reports received by him or her under subsection (2)(b) to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

(5) The Minister may exclude from the copies of reports which are to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas any matter which, in his or her opinion—

(a) would be prejudicial to the interests of national security, or

(b) might facilitate the commission of an offence, prejudice a criminal investigation or jeopardise the safety of any person.

(6) The Inspectorate, with the approval of the Minister, may arrange—

(a) with any police service outside the State for the engagement of police officers from that service, or

(b) with any other body for the engagement of other persons, for the provision of consultancy or advisory services in connection with the performance of its functions.

(7) Subject to this Act, the Inspectorate shall be independent in the performance of its functions.