Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Ruane for that. I know he is trying to distinguish between advice and what he felt. I will read out section 41(1) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005: "The Garda Commissioner shall keep the Minister and the Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform fully informed", and the Act then lists off everything including issues of accountability and issues in respect of significant developments relating to public confidence in An Garda Síochána. Section 41(1)(d) mentions "any other matters that, in the Commissioner’s opinion, should be brought to the Minister’s attention". It was under that section that Mr. Ruane felt necessary, given his concerns and worries, to write to the Commissioner.