Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is a serious matter when the CSO refuses to accept Garda data on homicide statistics. For families who lost loved ones in such circumstances, it is bound to have caused some concern and, perhaps for others, some distress. The review of the period 2013 to 2015 identified 41 cases. Now, however, the period from 2003 to 2017 is to be reviewed. That is a considerable body of work and it will take five or six months to respond. Is there any way of dealing with it more speedily? I know there is a further outworking on cases identified. Initially, the process of establishing the statistics would bring us out of this maelstrom, first and foremost, and then there is other work to be done subsequently.

Is there any way this can be expedited? Is there an understanding of how important it is to have the CSO situation resolved? I know that, next week, Garda management must meet the Policing Authority to discuss this issue. A public engagement such as this will not reimbue confidence among the wider public. This matter needs to be addressed substantively and speedily. Is there anything Garda management can do to help reach that point?