Ms Nóirín O'Sullivan:

I thank him for his remarks. We have been focused for the past two and a half years or more on ensuring that it is a policing service. It is important to say for the record that I am not aware of the identities of the most recent what I have referred to in the public domain as protected disclosers. I do not know who the individuals are. We take it with the utmost seriousness and encourage it as a right and an entitlement for individuals to raise issues.

Specifically regarding Mr. Barrett, who remains our executive director of HR and people development, PD, it is a matter of record, and there has been a press release on the matter, that Mr. Barrett in his capacity as the executive director of HR and PD was dealing with an individual in terms of the structures that we had in place. He raised certain matters with me that were raised by that individual. In accordance with my duty and the legislation, I informed the Tánaiste of those matters under section 41 of the Garda Síochána Act. That is important in terms of Mr. Barrett's role.

I want it to be noted on the record that I am not aware of the identity, other than in the public domain, of the disclosers. We take any suggestion and any allegation, unsubstantiated or otherwise, extraordinarily seriously. We welcome the review that Mr. Justice O'Neill has been appointed to and An Garda Síochána and every individual member of An Garda Síochána will afford Mr. Justice O'Neill every assistance and co-operation. It is in our interest to ensure that these matters are addressed expeditiously.