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Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
independent review

Six outside experts appointed to conduct review of Department of Justice

The findings of the review are expected to determine if Brian Purcell will remain as the secretary-general at the Department.

Updated 11pm

AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW group has been established to undertake a review of the Department of Justice.

The Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald made the announcement today.

The review forms part of the government’s response to the findings of the Guerin Report which criticised the Department’s internal record-keeping.

The findings of the review are expected to determine if Brian Purcell will remain as the secretary-general at the Department.

Fitzgerald has said that she will await the outcome of the independent review before deciding on his fate.

Six outside experts will conduct the review and it will be chaired by Kevin Toland, the CEO of the Dublin Airport Authority.

  • Kevin Toland, CEO of the Dublin Airport Authority and former CEO of Glanbia, USA (Chairman)
  • Kathleen O’Toole, incoming Chief of Police, Seattle and former Chief Inspector, Garda Inspectorate
  • David Byrne, former Attorney General and EU Commissioner
  • Geraldine Tallon, former Secretary General, Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government
  • Greg Sparks, Founding Partner, OSM Farrell Grant Sparks
  • Pat McLoughlin, CEO of the Irish Payment Services Organisation

Minister Fitzgerald stated that “as part of our comprehensive response to the Guerin report, the Government decided to establish an independent expert review of the performance, management and administration of the Department.

I am confident that the Group will produce a thoughtful and rigorous report that will provide an important signpost on the path to reform and will enable the Department to build on its considerable strengths and to fully address areas that need improvement.

The Minister concluded: “Two separate Commissions of Investigation are to report on a range of connected matters and all of this change is being overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Justice Reform.”

First published 6.52pm

Read: Frances Fitzgerald still can’t say if she has confidence in her most senior civil servant>

Read: Explainer: What is the Guerin report and why was it needed?>

Read: Justice Committee to Secretary General: We will ask you about Guerin Report>

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