Policing Authority of Ireland invites views on the preparation of a code of ethics for An Garda Síochána

The Policing Authority of Ireland (the “Authority”) was established on 1 January 2016, under the provisions of the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015, and is the independent agency established to oversee the performance of An Garda Síochána.

The Authority is currently inviting preliminary views from the public, people who work for An Garda Síochána, and other key stakeholders on the preparation of a code of ethics for the Garda Síochána. The Code is intended to include standards of conduct and practice for employees of the Garda Síochána, and provisions to encourage and facilitate the reporting by employees of wrongdoing in the Garda Síochána. The stated aim of the proposed Code of Ethics is to support each employee of An Garda Síochána to deliver the highest level of professional and ethical standards in their service to the public.

The Authority also intends to carry out research including reviewing the work done to date by the Garda Síochána, Codes in other EU Member States and recommendations of the Council of Europe. The Authority will prepare a Draft Code of Ethics, with intended publication in Autumn 2016, and there will be another opportunity for the public and other stakeholders to provide submissions and comments before the Code is finalised.

The deadline for responses is 5.00 pm on 30 April 2016. Further information can be found here.

Author: Deirdre Duffy