Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has asked two questions. On GSOC, resources and funding are kept under continuing review. I repeat it is absolutely essential that the ombudsman commission operates effectively and has sufficient resources to allow for that effective operation. A few weeks ago a business proposal was submitted seeking 37 additional staff at a cost of €1.7 million. This matter is under active consideration at the moment. Active consideration is also being given to allowing GSOC to retain an additional €1 million in funding from the now closed fixed charge notices, FCN, investigation. That would put GSOC in a position to address some of the issues raised. Consideration will be given to providing GSOC with its own Vote and providing that an officer of GSOC would be the Accounting Officer in the context of proposals to change legislation. In this regard, as I said earlier, the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, which will report to me in September, is important. I believe there is an important role for that body in assessing the current independence or otherwise of GSOC. I look forward to ongoing engagement with the chairman and members of the commission with a view to ensuring that it fulfils its statutory functions in such a way that those who are in receipt of or seeking its services will have confidence.

On the matter of direct provision, it is not my wish that people would spend long periods in accommodation provided by the State. While I acknowledge there are shortcomings, I also acknowledge the firm progress that has been made on the recommendations put forward by the former judge, Mr. Justice McMahon. Most of his recommendations are now being implemented. I am committed to making further improvements in the protection process, including the matter of State-provided accommodation. I must say there are challenges there but we will continue to meet those challenges in a way that benefits everybody involved in the system. That said, I accept the situation is far from ideal.