Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy made what I think was supposed to be a critical reference to everybody "cosying up". The Garda Síochána performs a function, the Garda Commissioner performs a function, and GSOC performs its function. My role in all of this is to ensure the independence and integrity of both bodies, to address legislative issues that need to be addressed, to ensure that if one or other body is not co-operating in the necessary functions to be undertaken, that those issues are addressed. Of course it is important that the chairman of GSOC has a constructive working relationship with the Garda Commissioner. Arising out all of this, there was a meeting between both of them in which they had an exchange. I am not privy to the nature of that. It is important that they have a constructive working relationship and when issues arise, that the Garda co-operate with GSOC in enabling that body to investigate any matters that do arise. The Deputy may not have intended it this way, but to suggest in a deprecating fashion that they "cosied up" and that this meant something inappropriate happened is not fair to either the Garda or GSOC.