Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is good.

I wish to talk about the relationship between An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice and Equality. We know from the Toland report that operational independence for An Garda Síochána is extremely important in order that it can exercise its public duty. I want to specifically focus on the recent issues we have seen around the setting of the criteria for the reopening of Garda stations. I want to specifically ask the question as to whether the witnesses believe the setting of criteria by a Minister or by the Department is an intrusion on his operational independence? I am not asking whether they were set, how they were set or who told the Garda they were set. I want to ask their opinion. Is it an intrusion on their operational independence as experienced members of An Garda Síochána?