Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. This is a familiar scenario for all of us now. Like other speakers, I have a number of questions for the witnesses and so I would appreciate brevity in their responses. Some of the questions can be answered with a "Yes" or "No". I want to cover a range of topics.

I share the frustration of colleagues, in particular Deputy Cullinane, that as of yet we are awaiting the data and information we could rightfully expect an organisation such as An Garda Síochána to produce very quickly. I am alarmed to note from the interim reports that in terms of the continuous professional development of members of An Garda Síochána it appears there was, and perhaps is, no specific training for officers in respect of manning these stations and taking these tests. I find that extraordinary. I think it is extraordinary from the point of view of An Garda Síochána and extraordinary that its parent Department would not ask questions and demand evidence that such basic professional formation is in place. I am not asking for a response in this regard because these matters I am assuming will be matters for another day. I say that only for the purpose of putting it on the record.

Did the Commissioner recommend the re-opening of Stepaside Garda station to the Government?