Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Such a commission should be charged with going up and down the country, to community halls etc., to take evidence from ordinary law-abiding citizens about the efficacy, efficiency, appropriateness and responsiveness of policing in today's world. Mr. Chris Patten was able to complete his work in 18 months. Those of us who have spoken with Mr. Hugh Orde in recent times about developments in policing in Northern Ireland have learned a lesson about what might happen in this jurisdiction. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has not adopted the Nuala O'Loan ombudsman precedent. The Garda Síochána Bill does not provide for a Garda authority. It is plain that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has captured the Minister, Deputy McDowell, despite all his talk and the fawning of some members of the media who are in thrall to him.

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