Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I have some observations. I can share time with Deputy Farrell. I have tabled many parliamentary questions about blue light training for drivers and it is just not happening.

One of the issues in my head is that there are many parallels with the Garda representative associations and the Defence Forces, which also do not have a right to strike. In the past the Defence Forces have asked for an independent pay review body. There is some difference between PDFORRA and RACO and there were concerns around how binding agreements would be. I was going to suggest that perhaps there is something we can learn in that regard. Given the pay, conditions and morale challenges within the Defence Forces, perhaps we are learning how not to do things. There is certainly common cause and similarities there. If a structure can be agreed that works for one, I am sure it would work for the other. At least that way there would not be a stand-alone body and efficiencies could be offered from the perspective of the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. Ms Cunningham wants to come back again and I will let her comment on that.

One of many issues in the Defence Forces is that members are not being released for training and, therefore, training is not happening, which affects readiness and availability for work and, ultimately, impacts on the mission. From what the witnesses have said, the same is happening in the Garda. How can we expect somebody to be able to turn on the lights and respond if they are not certified or qualified, given all of the high-profile incidents we have seen?

Regarding access to the Minister, is there at least access to civil servants? Depending on the Minister, access to civil servants may be more important. If witnesses only get to see the Minister for Justice twice a year, do they get to see the officials behind her?