GSOC sends report to Minster Harris regarding recent resignation of staff member

This afternoon, Monday 24 April 2023, GSOC submitted a report to the Minister for Justice outlining the action it has taken to date concerning the resignation of a member of our staff.

When GSOC became aware last week of a potential conflict of interest involving a member of our staff, we immediately removed that member’s access to our systems and commenced an initial internal investigation. The staff member in question resigned shortly thereafter.

GSOC engaged at a senior level with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána and continues to do so. We took these steps promptly in response to the disclosure of a potential conflict of interest so as to preserve the integrity of our systems and facilitate proper investigation of all matters relating to this.

It is not GSOC’s policy to investigate itself and we see independent investigation as integral to proper oversight, due process and fairness.

It is of paramount importance to establish whether any concerns of a criminal nature arise. This is a matter for An Garda Síochána in the first instance and GSOC is cooperating with them in their examination of the matter and will cooperate with any investigation that they deem necessary.

GSOC is committed to ensuring that any further investigation into this matter that may prove necessary is carried out independently, to ensure that public confidence in the oversight of policing in Ireland is both fostered and maintained.

GSOC will not be commenting further on this matter at this time.