Ms Josephine Feehily:

I will take the questions in order. We get periodic reports from the Garda following Assistant Commissioner O'Sullivan's report. The next one about what the Garda Síochána is doing about discipline is not due yet. We are aware in a general way but I am not aware in any detailed way about it. Last March the authority expressed our serious alarm and dismay about this whole issue. We saw it as an integrity and huge public confidence issue and I am struck by the fact it has connected with the public in a way that some other issues to do with the gardaí have not because it is so widespread. We never approached it from the point of view of discipline. That is not our focus. Discipline in the Garda, as in many other areas, is regulated by statute and is the responsibility of the Commissioner. From my own experience and background in HR, discipline in the context of something as widespread as this is a very tricky issue. I am not sure how it will proceed or how successful it could be.

The authority is particularly concerned about the remarks of the GRA. At one level, when I heard them my reaction was it is a pity it did not say it sooner because there was an inherent admission about the numbers which would have advanced us all a couple of months, whatever about the context. Evidence of duress would be very important to be brought forward and in that context I imagine the authority would be keen to see disciplinary action in those situations. The company we have engaged to do this work for us has invited the GRA to come and meet it. I am not sure if that has happened or if it will happen. The work schedule plans engagement with all of the staff associations including the GRA. I agree with the Deputy that it is a serious allegation and it needs to be stood up before anything can be done about it.

The broader question of impact beyond just a conviction that can be appealed for the fixed charge notices is something the authority put on the Garda agenda as long ago as last March. We pointed out the Garda would need to think very seriously about those broader impacts on people who may have lost their livelihood or licence, and be prepared for actions that might be taken against it. I would not be at all surprised if civil actions ensued in a number of cases.