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

I am as keen for negotiations and engagement to start as both Senators present, and most importantly, as the staff. As recently as last week when I engaged with them, the challenge was finding dates that suited everyone. A number of bodies need to be around the table and the dates that had been set or proposed were not matching others' availability.It is a matter of trying to identify the dates that suit everybody involved and moving forward with the process. Nothing has been agreed or signed off on - I was clear about that when I met them – but I am keen to move this along. The legislation is progressing and while it will not be enacted by the end of the year, I hope that will happen early in the new year. The amendment makes clear nothing will change for at least 24 months post enactment, not from the beginning of the year, so we will have a period to make sure all those involved are, insofar as possible, happy with the changes that are going to take place.

I stress that this is about making sure there will be a single workforce. Some of the concerns that have been raised with me on this issue are that a feeling of separation between civilian staff and Garda members is resulting in challenges within the work environment. It is important there be a single structure whereby people are seen under the same umbrella as having the same goals and objectives, which they do, and by making these changes, we will solidify that. Many of the terms and conditions people are concerned about will not change and I have relayed that to them. Nevertheless, I appreciate that my saying that, on the one hand, and sitting down and going through all the detail, on the other, are two different things.

I cannot give a date because it is a matter of trying to find a date that suits everybody, but I very much want this process to start. I am sure some Garda members are listening to the debate. The scheduling was yesterday and we wanted to get as much time as possible for the Bill this week, so that is why there was a short notice period. I want to get the process started as soon as possible.