Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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The authority had responsibility for the appointment of the Commissioner with the approval of the Minister. The legislation as proposed sets out that the Garda Commissioner and any Deputy Garda Commissioners are to be appointed by the Government following the nomination by the authority. However, the authority can only nominate in accordance with the recommendations of the Public Appointments Service which will provide it with one name only. The authority needs the approval of the Government to ask the Public Appointments Service to conduct a selection competition and the Government may veto the authority's nomination in undefined exceptional circumstances.

It is unfair and irrational to ask the authority to be responsible for systemic issues and policies and performance issues when it does not have the power to appoint or remove those responsible for implementing those policies and priorities. At the heart of many of our amendments is the fact that we thought an independent police authority would de-politicise policing in a manner we have not seen before.

Sadly, the paws of the Government in power will be all over policing, as per the norm. There is little change. Most of my amendments are geared around this. It is a major missed opportunity. I will press the amendment.