Ms Nóirín O'Sullivan:

Let me be very clear. When undergoing a process of reform such as that to which we have committed - deep cultural and structural reform - one will identify practices, good and bad. I want to make that point. We have identified good practices which we have been able to replicate. We have also identified practices such as this that were not in accordance with current standards and practices. They were not standard over the years, and we have rectified those. I will finish out on one point the Deputy made. I am sure the Deputy will understand my comment in relation to this, as a female deputy leader of a growing party. I am sure that during her political career - I do not want to make any assumptions about her - but I can certainly say that throughout the 36 years of my career, I have never chosen to hide behind my gender. I have never chosen to allow my gender to be a barrier to anything that I do. I have never defined myself by my gender. I am a professional police officer and I am very proud of that fact.