Mr. David Joyce:

This is not something on which the commission has set out a clear position. However, having heard some of the comments this morning, I believe depoliticisation works on two levels. An officer corps would practically depoliticise the system such that there would be a meritocracy as opposed to the hierarchy that currently exists. It might be argued that the types of political connection that exist are usually internal and perhaps create the potential for promotion. The notion of an officer corps, therefore, is certainly not one that should be ignored and perhaps should be considered. It is clear there is a culture of the kind set out by the Deputy. The culture creates a lack of morale or perhaps affects morale of very dedicated and able members of the force such that they feel progression is political rather than based on merit.