Chairman:

I wish to make some observations and ask for a brief response before we conclude. Much of what we have been discussing were responses to complaints made, including those relating to discipline, more serious criminal actions or even, in lesser situations, a reprimand within the system. That is the fire-brigade response. Is the genesis of all this not the absence within the Garda Síochána training process of the importance of respect and the right of members of the public to courtesy, and to be met fairly and equally across the board? Although I have had the experience of being courteously received in a Garda Síochána barracks setting, many people say the first point of contact rarely, if ever, commences with "What can I do for you? May I help you?" That is not the experience of members of the public presenting at Garda stations. It is simple courtesy to get off on the right note.

We are coming up to the tenth anniversary of GSOC in May of next year. It is very appropriate that this is one of the issues we have highlighted for priority address. This is not just about how GSOC has responded to its complainants' issues. Does Ms Justice Ring have a view on how it has served the public interest in the wider context? How is the role of GSOC regarded by individual members of An Garda Síochána, with whom it has had to address specific issues and, perhaps even more importantly, how is the role of GSOC regarded by An Garda Síochána, as a policing body?