Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I, too, welcome the fact the Commissioner has accepted all 15 recommendations and has agreed to take action to implement them. Let us be clear on what the independent human rights audit found. It found that procedures and operating practices within the Garda force can lead to institutional racism, particularly in relation to Nigerians, Travellers and Muslims. What will the Minister do? He is responsible for legislation covering the Garda Síochána, and the Garda Síochána Bill is before the House. Has the Minister studied these recommendations? Has he considered the need for some change in the structures in the Garda Síochána? For example, recommendations were made in respect of a police authority which would allow a greater level of monitoring of the operation of the police. It is not good enough to leave it to the Commissioner to implement recommendations. What about training and education? The Garda Síochána Bill is notably devoid of reference to those areas. I would like to know about the Minister's responsibility rather than what the Commissioner will do.

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