Ms Nóirín O'Sullivan:

In respect of the IFA and livestock rustling, at our recent cross-Border meeting we relaunched our cross-Border policing strategy. The issues particularly around rural crime, including livestock, are kept under constant review by us and our colleagues in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI, and we have a specific focus on Border related crime, for people using the Border for plant machinery, farm equipment, cattle or livestock rustling. My colleagues, Assistant Commissioner Nolan or Dr. Singh could give more detail if the Chairman wishes but it is an important focus for our cross-Border policing strategy, particularly at the operational and tactical level with colleagues north and south of the Border. We are aware of several instances involving livestock or foodstuff. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has a part to play in that and we liaise with it.

The Chairman is perfectly right about the culture change.

I am not sure there is ever an endgame when it comes to culture. Dr. Singh mentioned our culture audit so we are determined we are going to measure the impact of the cultural changes and the initiatives we are implementing. We have gone to the marketplace and there will be an independent precise assessment of the impact of the cultural change, especially attitudes, behaviours and how the public is responding to those changes. That is a very important part and there is no point in us just changing internally. We must ensure the service changes as well.

I was asked if I am a hands-on Garda Commissioner. Many people might say I am very hands on. The tone from the top and the leadership through the organisation is important. We must change attitudes and behaviours right throughout the organisation from the top down and bottom up. The new recruitment of Garda members and civilian members is very welcome as they, along with reserve members, will bring additional expertise and perspectives that will help change the culture. The reserve members are volunteers coming from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life. That is where our focus rests.

Leadership is always a challenge. It is about making hard decisions. Sometimes one must listen and hear everybody and everybody must have a voice. However, decisions must be made if we are to drive forward and implement real changes and reform. That is where the focus lies. It is important we look back on the past two years and see the tangible reforms and changes that have been achieved, not just internally but externally. We very much base that on our public attitudes survey and how that is demonstrated in all our behaviour as members of An Garda Síochána in serving the community.