Mr. Mark Toland:

We have looked at other jurisdictions because we are self-reflective and understand things must change to ensure Garda reform will happen. However, we have not found another jurisdiction around us that has put an inspectorate into a policing authority. There is another issue. Ms Shields is doing work and we are looking at areas in which the Policing Authority has responsibilities. We could not self-inspect if that was the case. As such, there are areas at which we are going to look in which GSOC takes people into Garda stations. One has to have that independence. For the Commissioner, the fact that we are independent has led to greater acceptance of the work we have given to the Garda. My ex-boss used to say we had no dog in the fight and were there simply to make policing better in Ireland. We are not aligned with any other organisation. As such, it would be a shame if we were to lose our independence as it would damage the quality of our work.