Ms Doireann Ansbro:

It can be sorted out. There is obviously a degree of confusion about who is answerable to which body. There is also confusion around the board and the new authority. There is potential overlap there. From our perspective, we are not entirely opposed to the creation of a board but is functions should be limited to supporting internal management. The excellent oversight that has been provided by the Policing Authority in recent years must continue. That means it must have sufficient powers to engage with the Garda Commissioner and there must be sufficient transparency in the policies and procedures of An Garda Síochána.

We have not spoken much about the new Garda ombudsman today but we view it as positive that its powers are being expanded. The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland identified a lack of resourcing and staffing as hampering the work of the ombudsman, along with the problem of its insufficient powers. Increased powers for a new ombudsman are something we welcome.

The Deputy asked about the types of complaints being referred to the new ombudsman. We think there should be an expansion of complaints that can go to the ombudsman, particularly in respect of human rights violations, but also violations that do not reach the threshold set down in the 2005 Act. They should then be investigated by the ombudsman. We believe it is vitally important that the new ombudsman is given greater powers and resources, considering the need has been identified not only by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland but also by international bodies. The UN Committee against Torture, in its most recent report to Ireland, recommended a strengthening of the powers of the Garda ombudsman. We foresee distinct roles for the new authority body, the ombudsman and, potentially, a board. We definitely think it can be worked out. Of course, this is a good opportunity for people to express their views and come up with solutions.