Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Obviously, there is consensus among the presenters today and our members on an independent policing authority, strengthened powers for the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, and so on but I want to focus on areas on which there does not appear to be consensus.

My first questions are for the GSOC representatives. They make the point about efficiencies and that there are many minor complaints that could be dealt with. I welcome the fact that they are looking to change the legislation to ensure that investigations of a more serious matter in particular are always investigated by GSOC only and not by serving members of An Garda Síochána, which has created a real difficulty in terms of perception. However, in terms of the minor complaints, is there an appeal mechanism for somebody who is not happy with the outcome of the dispute resolution process within An Garda Síochána?