Ms Éimear Fisher:

Even though we never had the statutory power to follow through on implementation, we did have a process with An Garda Síochána whereby we regularly went through, at least on a six-monthly basis, all of the recommendations made in its previous reports, arrived at an understanding, received clarification on implementation, if needed, and had a forthright discussion on whether the recommendations made were being implemented. However, influence and persuasion were as far as we could go within our powers. In fact, we probably did not even have the power to do that, but we did it and the Garda engaged with us. That practice continued until recently. Since the establishment of the Policing Authority, it has that statutory role. I would not say we defer to the authority; rather, we speak to it regularly. We have had discussions with it recently on the one report it has been formally given where it has the authority to follow through on the recommendations made on changing policing in Ireland. It has not yet been given the other reports. However, on the report on changing policing in Ireland, we have had discussions with it on the process in which it hopes to engage with An Garda Síochána to gain an understanding of the recommendations made, what we meant by the words we used, what the spirit of our recommendations was and so on. I would not see this process as deferential but informative.