Mr. David Joyce:

I echo what Mr. Kelly has just pointed out. The Irish Human Rights Commission does not have an elaborate submission to make in terms of what legislation might be introduced in this area. However, we set out two principles in our formal submission which should, in our view, inform the creation of an independent policing body. Members of the Oireachtas should not be precluded from serving on the body, but we also believe the appointment process for others who would be appointed would have to be independent and transparent.

In the context of the comments made earlier by the representatives of the Irish Traveller Movement, some concerns arise about the interaction the police has with certain groups. We believe, therefore, that there must be cross-sectoral representation on the body, particularly from minority and marginalised groups that are in some sense - I hesitate to use this term - the biggest customers of the Garda. The groups in question would certainly need to be represented on any new body created. In view of the detail of the submission made by the Irish Traveller Movement, it is clear that representation of minority ethnic groups on the new body is a must.