Ms Noirín O'Sullivan:

In regard to the role of the internal affairs unit, we have a statutory provision for the establishment of a professional standards unit which will carry out thematic audits around policies, practices and procedures. This is very useful in terms of identifying adherence to policy, practical or procedural issues or any systemic challenges that arise. The role of the internal affairs section is to pursue any disciplinary issues that may arise in respect of members of An Garda Síochána. The disciplinary regulations set out an internal framework whereby members are investigated for disciplinary offences which may not amount to misconduct. All cases of misconduct are referred to GSOC but the internal framework can deal with disciplinary offences that do not amount to misconduct or malpractice. We envisage that the role of the professional standards unit in internal affairs would be come more robust to allow us to proactively identify any issues arising and, as happens in other jurisdictions, to allow us an opportunity consider integrity testing among members and identify issues before they become problems. Where issues arise involving misconduct, malpractice or misbehaviour amounting to potential criminal behaviour, we would refer them to GSOC.

I would like to provide more clarity in regard to some of the questions that Deputy Farrell raised earlier. In regard to the powers of GSOC, under the Garda Síochána Act, GSOC enjoys all the privileges and powers of members of An Garda Síochána. As Ms O'Loan has noted, the power to search a member's private dwelling or private car is available. It is important to note there is nothing that is beyond bounds.

Before I conclude, I should introduce the team accompanying me. Assistant Commissioner Donall Ó Cualáin is in charge of the western region. Assistant Commissioner John Twomey is in charge of the Dublin metropolitan region and traffic. Both officers have extensive experience in rural and urban policing. Mr. Cyril Dunne is our chief administrative officer and Mr. Kenneth Ruane is our head of legal affairs. Together we are leading the transformation programme I mentioned earlier and we can speak further about what we are doing if members so wish.