Ms Doireann Ansbro:

This has been a long-standing criticism by the ICCL and some international human rights bodies of the role of An Garda Síochána. Part of the right to a fair trial is to be represented by a legal expert. We are concerned that even though this was a very clear recommendation by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, we now have the old system replicated in this legislation, whereas the Bill provides the opportunity to move forward in line with the commission's recommendations. Clearly, there are resource implications and to provide for sufficient numbers of prosecutors in the country, resources will need to be allocated to the DPP and the hiring of new prosecutors to replace the functions of An Garda Síochána at present. It is in line with that general recommendation by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland to remove non-policing functions from An Garda Síochána. We think this is a missed opportunity to emphasise and ensure the right of people to have a legal expert representing them is fulfilled.