Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have one question for the GRA and one for Mr. Collins. I will pick up on what Senator Ruane said about the perception of distribution being overly focused on areas possibly experiencing overpolicing. What is Mr. O'Connor’s view on that? The community I represent has a very strong view that it would like to be supported by effective and enhanced policing. How do we assess that or track and monitor it so that we can reduce the concern or at least provide data regarding it?

Garda members should be inherently involved in the design of the programme, which should be overseen by external bodies because they are the people who will be implementing it and their view is essential. Have many of them expressed concern or is there overwhelming support for the programme? I am not sure if we have achieved that.

I wish to ask Mr. Collins a question given his oversight position. It is clear there have been a lot of questions on policing, and policing by consent has come up to a great extent in the past year with Covid. How does he view the proposed change and the legitimacy of policing in Ireland? Does he think it will enhance effectiveness and legitimacy or does he see it more as a threat? What is his overall take on it?