Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 31:

In page 45, between lines 9 and 10, to insert the following: “(c)significant developments that might reasonably be expected to adversely affect the performance of An Garda Síochána;”.

This is a simple enough amendment that would mandate the Garda Commissioner that he or she be duty-bound to keep the Minister and Secretary General at the Department of Justice informed of any significant developments that might adversely affect the performance of An Garda Síochána. As drafted, the Bill provides that the Commissioner must keep the Minister informed of developments that might impact public confidence in An Garda Síochána but not on their performance. While public confidence is indeed impacted by performance of An Garda Síochána of its functions, the same is not the case of the reverse. It seems like a sensible provision in circumstances where the Commissioner is aware of developments that would adversely impact the performance by An Garda Síochána of its functions that the Minister would be fully informed. Perhaps this is already mandated in other sections but I do think it is a simple enough amendment that will give extra clarity within the Bill in terms of it also being in respect of performance and not just functions.