The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has reacted to the news that the Government has decided to recommend that a retired Secretary General of two Government departments be appointed as the next Chairperson of the Garda Ombudsman Commission.
ICCL Director Mr Mark Kelly said:
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) was deeply saddened by the untimely death of the distinguished judge Mr Justice Kevin Haugh, the former Chairperson of the Garda Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). Judge Haugh had, however, signaled his intention to step down from his GSOC role many months ago, and it is very disappointing that the Government has chosen to fill this post with a retired public servant, without the open and transparent recruitment process which should accompany any appointment to a body charged with the independent scrutiny of the conduct of agents of the State.”