Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Other people have asked about the criteria for the Garda. It is under reservation and it is a very serious matter. We have heard the Policing Authority report today. In that context, when will the reservation be lifted? What are the criteria for lifting the reservation?

I presume the CSO did not seek to do the SAVI report. Following pressure the Government took a policy decision to do it. What expertise does the CSO have in that regard? I am concerned about the date. I realise it has to be done right. I read it at the time.

A feature that jumped out besides the prevalence of the violence was the therapeutic nature of the way the research was carried out. Follow-up research was done and, because of the sensitive way it was carried out, it was found to be extremely therapeutic. Men and women reported stuff they had never reported before on a telephone. Could Mr. Dalton refer to that type of qualitative research and expertise?

I have a practical question on the islands. I was reading something for tomorrow on the Aran Islands. Many of the CSO's figures were very helpful but I understand it does not give a statistical breakdown island by island. Is that the case?

My last question is on staff, the importance of the CSO, and risks. Having sat here for two and a half years, I believe we learn most from staff if we listen to them and if what is required is in place. On the last occasion Mr. Dalton spoke to the staff - I refer to the questionnaire - what issues arose and how is he dealing with them? How is he dealing with recruitment issues and in-service building up of skills when there are difficulties outside? Those are questions but I would like the witnesses to start with the easy ones, on the criteria and the islands.