Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy outlined, this section of the Bill concerns functions and powers of the Policing Authority. His amendment seeks to expand its function in the carrying out of inspections. I confirm that the authority may carry out inspections either on its own initiative or at the request of the Minister. The amendment is unnecessary. Section 122 already provides for the general function of the new authority to carry out inspections. Along with that, sections 142, 148 and 149 provide further detail on the carrying out of inspections by the authority, either by its own volition or at the request of the Minister. These sections also cover the submission of recommendations, as proposed in the Deputy's amendment.

Section 142(1) provides for such inspections as long as they are in furtherance of the authority's objective, which is to oversee and assess the performance by An Garda Síochána of its functions relating to policing services under section 122. This function of An Garda Síochána includes the protection and vindication of the human rights of each individual and the prevention of harm to individuals, as provided for in section 9. The proposal in this amendment is already covered by several existing provisions. Therefore, I do not propose to support it. I am happy to engage further with the Deputy to clarify that all elements are covered in the Bill.

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