“Resources and power. Those two elements have, to my mind, been at the centre of why GSOC has not been able to function to the satisfaction of a lot of people in the public.”

That is according to journalist Mick Clifford, on the ongoing problems that need to be tackled in order to have an effective Garda watchdog. 

In the latest in-depth series by investigative platform Noteworthy, investigative reporter Alice Chambers examines how the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) handles public complaints and uncovers a process that is slow, lacking in transparency and enforcement powers.

Our WATCHING THE WATCHDOG series finds half of GSOC’s cases are handed to the gardaí to investigate, there’s no appeals process and few sanctions. Complainants are left with questions and are frustrated.

This week, in an episode of The Explainer brought to you by Noteworthy, Clifford joins the podcast. The Examiner columnist and special correspondent has reported extensively on the Garda watchdog. 

Presenter Susan Daly also chats with Chambers about her investigation’s findings. 

https://soundcloud.com/the-explainer-podcast/by-noteworthy-is-gsoc-fit-for-purpose/s-L9lBB4t0K18?si=081ea2be81b4483195468ff5c15cbf7b&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

RELATED READS

• Targets missed in at least 70% of GSOC complaints investigated by gardaí
• Garda watchdog handing half of its cases back to gardaí to investigate

This episode was put together by Alice Chambers, Susan Daly, Maria Delaney and producer Laura Byrne.