Policing reforms would ‘erode’ autonomy of force, Garda chief to warn

Drew Harris will today tell an Oireachtas committee that proposed reforms of the police force are ‘disproportionate’ and ‘unconstitutional’

Drew Harris: the Garda Commissioner will warn an Oireachtas committee that proposed reforms would significantly infringe on the independence of the police force. Picture: Rollingnews.ie

Planned reforms of Ireland’s police force would result in the “erosion” of Garda independence and would not withstand legal action, the Garda Commissioner will tell an Oireachtas committee today.

Drew Harris will warn that a new bill which aims to improve the performance and accountability of the Garda force is “disproportionate” and “unconstitutional” in parts and would result in legal proceedings against the state.

In an opening statement to the Oireachtas justice committee, Harris wrote ...