Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring:

We are in the dark, to be frank. Ms Kathleen O'Toole laid it out very succinctly and used the phrase "all complaints". However, in response to a question from my colleague, Mr. Patrick O'Sullivan, on what she meant by the word "complaints", she confirmed when we met her that she meant all allegations of misconduct or criminal activity. How that translates into legislation is a question for the drafters in the first instance and, subsequently, for the Deputy and his colleagues when passing the legislation. We are highlighting concerns and saying that if a narrow definition of complaints is included in the Act, the police ombudsman will have a narrow remit. If more clarity is given in terms of what a complaint is, we will be able to work in a broader way. This is a matter to be determined by the Department and the parliamentary draftspersons and, thereafter, the Deputy and his colleagues.