Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Section 2 needs to be rephrased slightly.

In terms of section 3, Ms Feehily is not mad at the idea of being given the power to dismiss a member of An Garda Síochána. It would be on the basis of facts that have been established. I note that Ms Feehily has stated that this appears to be a repetition of a power that is available elsewhere and seems to be without statutory justification.

In terms of section 4, I am conscious that when I speak about the section that I am not just advocating on behalf of myself. The committee has also made a recommendation to this effect. The reason I am looking at the provision online is because I did not print a hard copy of the Act.

Section 4 states that the Policing Authority would have powers to supervise the functioning of the office and supervise the discharge of functions by the Commissioner, and establish policies and procedures for the Garda which will be binding on all members. That is like the code of ethics and calls for the Garda code and Garda operational policies to be published. I note what Ms Feehily says that there is ambiguity as to what specifically will be covered by her supervision of the discharge of the functions of the Commissioner but does she see any benefit in the same way as a chief executive will sometimes have a chairman working close by, even non-executive, to having supervision of the functions of the Garda Commissioner's office?