Mr. Doncha O'Sullivan:

The change we are talking about today forms one part of a very large package of change in the regulations governing the appointments to the ranks of sergeant and inspector. Following a series of studies, reviews and reports, the consultation surrounding that new package has been going on for a number of years with extensive engagement, as has been said, with the various stakeholders in the policing administration, including the Garda Commissioner, his representatives, the Policing Authority, and Garda associations. There has also been input from the Public Appointments Service, PAS, on some aspects of the process but not the aspect we are discussing today because PAS will not be involved in managing the test as it will no longer exist.

That process went on for a number of years and culminated last summer in the making of regulations, which is a ministerial power under the Garda Síochána Act and which needs to be done with the approval of the Government after consulting the Garda Commissioner and the Policing Authority. That was the decision train. When one looks at the regulations, there is an extensive range of changes around all aspects of the promotion process. It was very significant change and this forms one part of it. It was a lengthy and complex process of consultation.