Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On her last appearance but one before the committee, the then Commissioner designate corrected me when I referred to the civilianisation of duties. She referred to it as professionalisation, and I see her point and agree with it. The professionalisation of certain aspects - the inspectorate has readily identified it in several points in its latest report - would free up the 1,500 members mentioned. It is clear that some of this would be at no cost, or a relatively low cost, and there is a desire for it. As far as I recall, that meeting with the Commissioner took place approximately 12 months ago. Has there been, in the inspectorate's view, and based on this report, a significant change in An Garda Síochána in the past 12 months in terms of implementing this new approach to the professionalisation of certain roles in An Garda Síochána? It was mentioned that the report is a snapshot in time, but 12 months ago, when the Commissioner was before the committee, issues were identified with regard to bringing in individuals with specific expertise who do not need to be sworn members. This was mentioned earlier. Has the inspectorate identified whether there would be evidentiary issues with regard to some of the duties they perform in back-room office environments? Would it be necessary for these duties to be carried out by a sworn member? Is this something that was analysed?