Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue of firearm fees was covered in the responses to Deputy Aylward's questions. On appropriations-in-aid, Garda College receipts, the issues of the Sportsfield, shops, boat clubs and so on were the subject of previous discussions but there are a few outstanding issues on which I would like clarification. There were European funds in a bank account, which I understand were for training purposes. If I am not mistaken, these funds may not have been appropriately accounted for at the time of our review approximately two years ago. I welcome that the recommendations following on from that review were taken on board and are being worked through. Is the Commissioner, as Accounting Officer, satisfied that the aforementioned funds have been accounted for appropriately? I appreciate the Commissioner does not represent OPW but to the best of his knowledge, what is the reason for the delay in the transfer of lands from Sportsfield to OPW?

In regard to the internal audit, I am not an accountant but during the six years I was a member of the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality and during my time as a member of this committee, I have observed a lot of indecision and uncertainty around this area. I get the distinct impression that the resources provided at that time to internal audit by An Garda Síochána was not sufficient to meet the task at hand, primarily because it was such a mountain to climb.

In his role as the new Garda Commissioner since last year, is Mr. Harris satisfied that internal audit and the oversight function within An Garda Síochána is sufficiently robust to ensure the issues highlighted to this committee and others over recent years will not reoccur? Perhaps we will start with the two questions I asked of Mr. Nugent regarding the European funds.