Mr. Brian Purcell:

Yes, I do. The Government announced far-reaching reforms, the most far-reaching of which is the establishment of the policing authority, which will essentially be a watershed in how policing is delivered in the State. As I outlined earlier, there is also the open competition for the Garda Síochána Inspectorate and the extension of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission’s remit to include the Garda Commissioner, as well as the removal of time limitations. The Protected Disclosures Bill will enable Garda members, whether they are whistleblowers or ordinary members, to make complaints to GSOC. These are substantial reforms.

While the commentary in the Guerin report will be considered in some detail by a commission of investigation, obviously there will be considerable discussion in terms of the witnesses appearing before that commission. Clearly, the reform programme that will be in place will be a highly challenging one. There will also be a review of how the Department of Justice and Equality is managed, performs and is administered. This has come in wake of the Guerin report. This will be a significantly challenging task. The Minister, and the Government from the Taoiseach down, have given a clear indication they are committed to what the Minister herself described as a sea change in the way policing is delivered.

Yes, I believe I am the right person. I am capable of dealing with this. Yes, I am fully committed to it.