Ms Lois West:

There are several different elements to it. What we were always dissatisfied with was exactly what the Deputy has stated, that the original people involved in the investigations were initially contacted by phone and asked if everything was OK with the investigation. When the second attempt at a review was undertaken, I understand that they were written to and that the chief in the division had to sign off on the response that was coming back. That did not satisfy us because we would have the same concerns as the committee and others that Garda were looking at other Garda members' investigations and not actually reviewing the investigation files. Yes, there was certain information that was collected and looked at, which we did not see, so we cannot comment on that. From our point of view we always felt that it had to be a full and independent review. Ideally I would have liked external senior investigating officers from another force or from somewhere else that would do that job, but we do not have that easily at our disposal.

We have met the new review team and they are in regular contact and are engaging with us. I have no reason to lack confidence in that. Ms Galligan and I have entered into every single one of these review processes enthusiastically and in good faith. We will absolutely do the same on this occasion. My main concern would be how we take on the level of work that will be required in respect of other demands and in particular the amount of work Ms Galligan will be required to do because of her expertise. I think we have to manage the timeframes and the expectations realistically.