Mr. Eugene Corcoran:

As I stated, we have ongoing dialogue on a bi-monthly basis with GSOC on matters of this nature. I was referring specifically to information requests received under the protocols that are in place between the Garda Síochána and the Commission. I would prefer simply to set out the facts for the committee as opposed to engaging in any particular response to submissions previously made on behalf of GSOC. As I have said, I have fairly acknowledged its report of 2015, which I relied on in terms of my response to this committee.

The matters that give rise to delays are difficult to predict in every single case. In general terms, we are happy to confirm they are in a minority of cases and that every effort is made to comply with the information requests in a timely manner.

It is fair to advise the committee that there is no question of matters being deliberately delayed or of there being inactivity or inaction. The engagement we have had over a number of years has reached the point where the level of co-operation is such that this is not in fact the case. If there are reasons for delays, they are set out in the course of the dialogue that takes place in respect of each individual case.