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Fiosrú publishes its first Strategy Statement for independent, effective and trusted policing oversight

Fiosrú publishes its first Strategy Statement for independent, effective and trusted policing oversight.

2 March 2026

Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, today publishes its first Strategy Statement which sets out the organisation’s vision and strategic priorities for the next three years.

The Strategy Statement 2026-2028 details Fiosrú’s overall objective to deliver independent policing oversight that is accessible to all and has the confidence of the public, through quality investigations that are timely, efficient, effective and fair.

It contains ambitious actions, based around three strategic objectives, to:

  • Improve understanding of Fiosrú’s role;
  • Deal with complaints in a timely, efficient and effective manner, and in accordance with fair procedures; and
  • Promote confidence in the process for resolving complaints and investigations.

Fiosrú is committed to the delivery of a service for all that eliminates discrimination, promotes equality of opportunity and protects the human rights of all staff and the people to whom the service is provided.

Fiosrú was established on 2 April 2025 under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 and is the successor body to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). Its vision is to deliver independent, accessible and effective policing oversight that has the trust and confidence of the public, the Oireachtas and An Garda Síochána.

The Police Ombudsman was appointed on 2 April 2025 by President Michael D. Higgins and is supported by the Deputy Police Ombudsman, Brian Doherty and Fiosrú’s Chief Executive Officer, Sheila McClelland. The Police Ombudsman and Deputy Police Ombudsman are independent in the performance of their functions.

Commenting on today’s publication of the Strategy Statement, Police Ombudsman Emily Logan said:

“The publication of Fiosrú’s first Strategy Statement marks a significant moment for my office as we approach a full year of operations. Fiosrú has new and enhanced legal powers and processes and a new organisational governance structure. With these changes, and enhanced independence, we are keen to use this opportunity to take a fresh and considered approach to our role in policing oversight.

“This Strategy will direct our efforts, inform our decisions, influence our culture and support us in monitoring progress towards our three strategic objectives. As Police Ombudsman, I will place particular emphasis on upholding human rights and I am keen to share insights from data and research, including through the publication of systemic recommendations, to support and enable An Garda Síochána to deliver high standards of policing in this country. Fiosrú engaged with staff, the public and key stakeholders in developing this Strategy and we are truly grateful to everyone who contributed their time and insights.”

As required by its founding statute, Fiosrú’s Strategy Statement 2026-2028 has been submitted to the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

For a copy of the full report, please click here.

ENDS