Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)
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At a justice committee meeting I attended during the previous term, I was informed by the then Minister that more than 80% of international protection applicants were coming in to the country via the open land border with Northern Ireland. What is the current estimate of that figure? I understand there is a Garda unit operating along the Border. How successful has the unit been and is Mr. Harris satisfied it is staffed adequately to address that particular issue?

I wished Mr. Harris well in his retirement earlier. All of us have had our ups and downs and highs and lows in our careers and I am sure the Commissioner is no different in that regard. A number of years ago, a GRA survey found that 98% of its membership had no confidence in the Commissioner. I am sure that was a difficult time for him personally and for Garda management. Has that figure changed in the intervening period? What advice, if any, would Mr. Harris give to the person who will occupy his chair in a number of months?