Garda

Government Statement on “Matters Relating to An Garda Síochána” issued today.

“At its meeting today, the Government considered a new and very serious issue relating to An Garda Síochána.

The implications of this matter are potentially of such gravity that the Government has decided to set up a statutory Commission of Investigation into this matter of significant public concern. It will be chaired by a senior serving or retired member of the Judiciary.

In the context of ongoing legal proceedings in a particular case, the Government has learned that a system was in place in a large number of Garda stations whereby incoming and outgoing telephone calls were taped and recorded. The Government was informed of this new information at its meeting today.

As the matter is before the Courts, it is not appropriate to make any further comment on the specific case.

From the information available, the practice of making recordings was in place for many years and was discontinued in November of 2013. It is not yet clear why this practice was in operation.

The Government is extremely concerned about this information.

The Government has asked for a full, detailed report on all aspects of this matter from An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice and Equality, so that an informed decision can be made on the legal and other consequences, with the assistance of the Attorney General.

The terms of reference for the Commission of Investigation will be decided shortly, once a full report on the circumstances has been made available to the Government.

…It also reiterated its commitment to the reform of Garda oversight and accountability. This will include the establishment of an independent Garda authority, which is appropriate to Ireland’s needs and which will maintain appropriate democratic accountability to the Oireachtas.

The Government will bring forward the full detail of its comprehensive reform proposals in the coming months.

This will be done following the completion of the current inquiries by Judge Cooke and Mr Guerin, the forthcoming hearings by the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality and the Review of the Garda Síochána which is currently underway under the Haddington Road Agreement.

Via MerrionStreet.ie

Any excuse:

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FAIL BIG @ The Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin (Free, 7pm-10pm)

Nialler9 writes:

“The Science Gallery hosts its first free late night event to celebrate its current FAIL BETTER exhibition which explores “the flipside of flops, the desirability of disasters, the magic of mistakes, loveable losers, and the coolness of collapse”.
The night will feature live music from Heathers and Daithí; talks, workshops, experiments, comedy improv, short plays and games (don’t expect to win, they warn), fail-themed cocktails and food. Tickets are free but they ask you to book in advance.”

Nialler9’s Gig Guide March 25-31 (Nialler9)

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kldA4nWANA8

Behold the BAT (Bouyant Air Turbine) – a helium filled dirigible that deploys 300m (1000ft) above ground, generating low-cost energy for microgrids (ie. remote/island communities, disaster relief areas and military bases.)

A modern cousin of the blimp, the BAT, created by MIT founded company Altaeros Energies, is an aerostat – a heavy duty inflatable designed to withstand hurricane winds. High tensile tethers hold the BAT steady at high altitudes where winds are stronger, feeding power down to the ground.

designboom

callinan

In the best interests of An Garda Síochána and my family, I have decided to retire. I felt that recent developments were proving to be a distraction from the important work that is carried out by An Garda Síochána on a daily basis for the citizens of the State in an independent and impartial manner. Having joined An Garda Síochána in May of 1973, it has been a great honour and privilege to have spent nearly 41 years as a member of this tremendous organisation, serving the people of Ireland.

Those nearly 41 years, though at times challenging, have been enjoyable and fulfilling. This is due to the standard of people I have worked for, worked with, and led during this period of time. The work I carried out throughout my career could not have been done without the support of numerous men and women, and for this I would like to thank all who I have worked with during my service. It also could not have been achieved without the support of the many thousands of members of public who I have come in contact with and who I hope I have helped in some small way during my career.

Since becoming Commissioner in 2010 I have never failed to be impressed by the dedication of all serving members and civilian staff even when they faced significant professional and personal challenges. The last four years have seen major changes in An Garda Síochána, which were always done in the best interest of the community for whom we do our job. Although some of these changes have not always been easy, statistics from the CSO have shown that they have resulted in a reduction in crime throughout the country. This change in delivery of a policing service has, I hope, provided communities and individuals with a sense of safety and security in their daily lives.

I would like to thank the members of An Garda Síochána who I worked with during my time as Commissioner for their support and willingness to adapt for the benefit of the citizens of the State. I have great confidence that the delivery of an excellent policing service by excellent people will continue as it has done since An Garda Síochána’s foundation. I wish my successor, current members of An Garda Síochána, and those due to join later this year my continuing best wishes and wholehearted support.

Via Richard Chambers

Previously: Commish Hits The Fan

Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland

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A new Irish sit-com called The Centre started on RTÉ One last night. It’s about life at St Bartholomew’s Community Centre in Fieldstown, Co Dublin, featuring pre-op transsexual Office Manager Nuala Mooney, played by Gary Cooke, above.

So how was it?

Well.

CEO of Transgender Equality Network Ireland, Broden Giambrone writes:

‘The Centre is a throwback to the dark ages of television and RTÉ should do better. Nuala is the stock character of a ‘man in a dress’ played for cheap laughs. Her appearance and identity are fair game to the other character’s on the show and their comments and quips re-enforce every stereotype that exists for trans people in this country. Not only is she is referred to as ‘king kong in a thong’ but there are references made to her surgical status, her hormone levels, body hair and Adam’s apple. At no point is the audience laughing with Nuala, they are laughing at her.’

‘The Centre masquerades as edgy by poking fun at minority groups. Unfortunately, we see the very real effects of how this type of ‘humour’ contributes to the marginalisation of the trans community. There is no doubt that negative media representation contributes to pervasive transphobia. This has a direct and detrimental effect on trans people’s sense of self-esteem and contributes to their fear of coming out.’

RTÉ airs new sitcom ‘The Centre’ which mocks transgender people (TENI)

Watch back here

Broadsheet.ie