Commissioner Carmel Foley:

We are conscious that the Garda Síochána has been here since the foundation of the State and that a culture change is needed. Deputy Flanagan referred to the culture. There is no doubt that oversight by a body which is seven years in operation is a huge shock to the system. Until powers were granted to us under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, no body other than the Garda Síochána was likely to carry out a search under warrant. The first time we entered a Garda station with a search warrant, there was some shock to the system. The first time we arrested a garda, there was shock. We are still at a very early stage. That does not excuse the delays. The Deputy's question might implicitly ask why are we not using our powers. For example, if we are refused a file, then why do we not carry out a search for that file? However, do we then close down an entire Garda station and carry out a search?