Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There are two matters I want to raise. One is on the breath tests and one is on the fixed charge penalty notices. On the breath tests, it has been reported the Garda is examining an initial sample of some 70,000 cases in the context of discipline. Is Ms Feehily being kept abreast of the manner in which the Garda is internally investigating this matter? Does she believe there is a need for an individual garda to face disciplinary action on the issue?

On 14 September, the GRA representative suggested quite strongly that rank and file gardaí were being put under duress to exaggerate or enhance the number of false breath tests being reported. Is that a matter of concern to Ms Feehily and the Policing Authority? Does Ms Feehily agree it is a very serious allegation requiring further investigation?

The final point I want to make is on the fixed charge notices. I am aware of the process the Garda has set about. It has contacted people who received summonses and fines incorrectly. It has been reported, particularly in the Irish Examiner, that there are a number of cases of people who faced more serious consequences. The example was given of a man in County Cork who was incarcerated on foot of a false prosecution, served time in prison and consequently emigrated. That was reported in the Irish Examineron 20 September. The same newspaper reported a case of a woman who suffered the ignominy of being arrested at her home and was sent to Limerick Prison. In the context of the process the Garda have set out, which is largely administrative, and its apology and commitment to reimburse people for the fines, does Ms Feehily believe the process is adequate, given the fact there are people who have clearly suffered far more serious consequences and would potentially have a much stronger case for more substantial compensation or redress?