Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 7 October 2015

Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2015: Committee Stage

5:00 pm

Photo of Dara MurphyDara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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I acknowledge the points made by Deputy Mac Lochlainn. Let me restate that the Minister has considered these amendments very carefully and in this particular case, given that the security of the State is a priority function of Government, the task of deciding whether an item relates to policing or security matters should be undertaken by the Minister and has to take place in his or her capacity as a member of the Government. The scope for disagreements because of the clear definitions will mean that these disputes will, in any event, be very limited. As I have said, the Minister for Justice and Equality has considered this point very carefully.