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

Mr. Toland said a number of things that most certainly struck a chord with me and, I am sure, committee members. The five-month delay in responding is interesting. The last correspondence the committee received from the highest office in An Garda Síochána was exactly five months after we had sought the information and, at that, it was anaemic. I can think of no other word to describe it. It is important to point out that the frustration is shared.

The inspectorate has conducted a review of child sexual abuse and issued a report. The committee is also in the process of conducting a review of its own oversight and accountability report which Mr. Toland referenced in his opening remarks, for which I thank him. There was only one recommendation that was specific to the inspectorate. I again note that the committee is very strongly of the view that the inspectorate should have access by way of unannounced visits. That is essential. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan did not ask Mr. Toland to elaborate on his second comment, but I would like him to do so. He referred to the Private Members' Bill, the Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill, and the provision therein that ministerial approval would be required to exercise this power. That would not be my view and I doubt it is the view of Deputy Mick Wallace. I can almost anticipate from where he will come on the matter. We share a disposition on many matters. Would Mr. Toland like to elaborate a little on what he said? This series of engagements with GSOC, the Policing Authority and the Garda Inspectorate is taking place against the backdrop of the publication of our report and I would like Mr. Toland to give a little more information on same.