Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Before responding to the Senators, I would like to ask two additional questions that have not been specifically touched on, although it has been a very comprehensive engagement. In her opening address, the Minister referred to Operation Thor and emphasised the example of the Government's response to crime in both rural and urban areas. Looking at the areas indicated with respect to what the Minister is pressing for in the 2017 Estimates, she is talking about accelerating Garda recruitment and increased civilianisation in An Garda Síochána. With regard to additional capital expenditure, the only example she gives is the commencement of the new forensic science laboratory. Is there anything in the proposal to address rural crime amounting to a proposal or intent for investment in or the reopening of any number of rural Garda stations that have been closed, the loss of which has had a very adverse impact on the addressing of rural crime? It has also had, very clearly, a significant negative psychological impact on people living across rural Ireland.

The Minister addressed other matters in the course of questioning from members and there was reference to the report in yesterday's media of the two recently presented protected disclosures from Garda officers. A further protected disclosure, I understand, arrived on the Minister's desk last May and that has been sent to the Garda Commissioner to be addressed. The garda involved has not had any correspondence or indication from the Commissioner as to what address is being given to it. Is the Minister in a position to advise us if she had any response to that particular protected disclosure?

The Barrett report concerned the conduct of the investigation into Garda sergeant Maurice McCabe and how he highlighted issues. It considered how he was treated as a serving member of the force. The Minister has the Barrett report but is she giving any consideration to its publication? It is a critical area of consideration by the members with regard to our pending report on oversight and accountability, of which the whistleblowers issue is a key area of address. Would it be of help to members in the consideration of our position? Has the Minister as such intent to share the content of that report?