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Circuit Court Judge Rory MacCabe to chair GSOC

The Government has agreed to nominate Circuit Court Judge Rory MacCabe as a member of and the next chair of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).

Judge MacCabe is also nominated by Government for appointment to the High Court. 

Judge Rory MacCabe was called to the Bar in 1984 and admitted to the Inner Bar in 1999. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2007.  Prior to joining the Bar he was a civil servant.

Current chair Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring of the High Court will complete her term of office on 11 December.

The nomination follows a selection process which sought expressions of interest from serving or retired judges to fill the role.

GSOC is a statutory, independent body established in accordance with the provisions of Part 3 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended.

Misconduct

It deals with complaints concerning alleged misconduct. GSOC also conducts investigations into circumstances where it appears that such conduct may have resulted in death or serious harm to a person.

It may also investigate matters in relation to Garda conduct, when it is in the public interest, even if a complaint has not been received.

Justice minister Helen McEntee said: “The nomination of Judge Rory MacCabe follows an assessment process conducted by a selection committee established by the Chief Justice to identify suitable candidates to be appointed to the position.

Experience

“I am delighted to be able to nominate a person of Judge MacCabe’s experience and calibre to this important body.

“In light of the significance of the role of the chair of GSOC and the recent precedent, I have also received the approval of the Government to nominate Judge MacCabe to the High Court.”

She added that, over the last six years, Ms Justice Ring has served with distinction, providing strong and effective leadership to the organisation and has ensured that its reputation as an independent, impartial investigator of complaints against members of An Garda Síochána, has been enhanced. 

 The current chair  Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring was re-appointed to the Ombudsman Commission for a five-year term on 12 December 2016, which is due to end in the coming days. The other two members of the Commission are Emily Logan and Hugh Hume, both appointed earlier this year.