Ms Josephine Feehily:

I will take the Deputy's question in two parts. I agree that the powers need to be looked at again and we have written to the Minister to that effect. I do not agree that we do not have an appropriate degree of independence. If it was not for our independence, even within the limited powers and functions we have, the committee would not have much of the material it has today. By way of the various reports that we have published, we have put more material in the public domain and we have operated more transparency. I believe we have been a disruptor in terms of Garda oversight for positive and good outcomes.