Ms Margaret Nugent:

There was a blueprint for Garda training known as the Walsh Garda training committee. This was a Government publication - I see that Assistant Commissioner McMahon has it with her - and it was designed to enhance training. It included a number of requirements and one was that facilities be improved, that pitches be bought, and that the land adjacent to the college be bought and enhanced so that students could interact with the community and the community could be involved in the Garda college clubs. That was the catalyst for changing the culture in Templemore and bringing us to the forefront in police training at the time. It is a renowned report.

The funding structure at the time appears to have been one that was agreed through the Department of Justice. I do not have the full details on it but that appears to be the case. The money that we were given was to pay, not just for the food, but also for the restaurant staff and other ancillary facilities. That appears to be the historic position, as we understand it. The sports field company and so forth was set up as a result of that, all with the purpose of enhancing Garda training. It is accepted that the structures that worked years ago are no longer appropriate today and that is what today's meeting is about.

Furthermore, the people in the restaurant procured the food locally. They did not comply and were not State employees. Approximately €20,000 a week currently goes towards purchasing food from the local community, such as meat, vegetables and whatever is needed. We accept that this does not comply with the standards of today but this is a practice that has existed since 1964. I think it is important that this be highlighted.