Mr. Martin Callinan:

Yes. I understand the Deputy's point absolutely. I accept those criticisms. Of course I do. All I can say is that in a highly regulated corporate body like An Garda Síochána, directives are issued and instructions are given almost on a daily basis. All I or any of my senior officers can do is issue a set of guidelines or directives with a strong expectation that they will be implemented in full. Those who address these directions have to make professional judgments. For example, they decide whether to arrest somebody or to let them go. It is difficult and complex to try to cater for discretion in a comprehensive way. There is an expectation that people will do what they are asked to do, which is to make up their minds in a fair and balanced way. There have been weaknesses in the system.