Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Commissioner and her team. The behaviour and attitude survey to which Dr. Singh referred is indicative of the work the Commissioner is doing. She is leading an operation which is in change mode. It is interesting that the survey that put confidence above 85% happened within the first 12 months of the Commissioner taking charge of the Garda Síochána. I have observed the Commissioner, and the decency with which she goes about her business and her personal work ethic is a fantastic example to the Garda Síochána. We are very fortunate that more than 85% of our population have confidence in the Garda Síochána. Unfortunately, in the media circus that spins around on a regular basis, these facts and figures get lost. It is important we put it on the record.

Deputy Colm Brophy said we had the Policing Authority before the committee recently. I would be interested in the Commissioner's views on the Policing Authority and its evolving relationship with the Garda Síochána. It is important that an equilibrium be achieved. The critique following the first public meeting of the Policing Authority said the Garda Síochána had had a difficult encounter. I would be interested in the Commissioner's views on the Policing Authority and whether there is anything in its modus operandithat needs to change. There is a review after two years.

It has been flagged that there will be a Garda strike of some sort next month. I would be interested to hear the contingency plans the Commissioner has in place to deal with it, assuming the dispute is not resolved and a significant number of her colleagues are not prepared to play ball on those four Fridays. Regarding the plan for the modernisation of the force, how do we rate internationally? In terms of the behaviour and attitude survey, we rate very well. In terms of a modern police force, how do we compare internationally?

The Commissioner mentioned the text alerts, which is using modern technology, particularly in rural areas, very effectively. There is a cost to communities which set up text alert groups, which is probably unfair. Is the cost still in place and is it the intention of the Commissioner or the Government to eliminate the cost over time? Perhaps the Commissioner cannot comment on it. Deputy Colm Brophy mentioned JPCs. Josephine Feehily met the chairmen of the JPCs at a recent meeting. Has the Commissioner ever brought the chairmen of the JPCs into a meeting to have a discourse such as we are having here? Her representatives all over the country attend the JPCs regularly. The JPCs have an important role which must be developed, nurtured and built upon. The Commissioner of the Garda Síochána might consider it in due course. Perhaps she could have some sort of engagement even with the chairmen for a day in Dublin or in the Garda Síochána headquarters.