Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I find it rich that the Labour Party has suggested in its motion that I should not proceed with the Garda Síochána Bill, which was the subject of a process of consultation after its heads were published. The Bill has been changed significantly on foot of an extensive Second Stage debate in this House, lengthy consideration on all Stages in the Seanad and a Committee Stage debate of record duration at the Select Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights. I have listened carefully to the points which have been made at all stages of that process. I have adapted the Bill, in line with the constructive points which have been made by way of criticism of it, to improve the legislation as best I can.

The Labour Party has suggested that I should put the Garda Síochána Bill, which was prepared in the context of the establishment of the Morris tribunal and has had to await the publication of the tribunal's two reports, on hold for 18 months. It has proposed that I should establish a commission and retain the Garda Síochána Complaints Board during that time. That proposal would involve the continuation of the current management deficit. It would mean the systems failures which have been identified would not be addressed while I wait for a group of the great and the good to come back after 18 months——

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