Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

On behalf of Fine Gael, I oppose the taking without debate of the motion to establish the Garda Síochána ombudsman commission. The Garda Síochána Bill 2004 was guillotined in the House last July and many issues such as the ombudsman commission were not adequately addressed. Many of us sought a single, Nuala O'Loan-type ombudsman but we have ended up with an ombudsman commission. Under the Act, the commission must be recommended by the House and then appointed by the President. It is the wrong approach to take the House for granted in this case. I have no objection to the proposed appointees, as my objection is to the process. I am sure the individuals involved are all very worthy people but I am concerned about the method of their appointment. No advertisement was placed and there was no screening process. Even judges are recommended by an advisory body but, in this case, names were pulled out of the blue by the Government and presented to the Dáil and we are being asked to rubber stamp them. How were the requirements of the Act complied with before the names were presented to us? The Act requires that the persons appointed must have "appropriate experience, qualifications, training or expertise". I have no idea whether these persons qualify under that provision. Once again, the Government is treating the Oireachtas as a rubber stamp. This is not the proper way to deal with this business and I object strongly to it. There should be a debate on the motion and related Garda issues such as the disciplinary regulations. A ludicrous scenario has emerged whereby the only penalties available under the regulations are the loss of one month's salary or dismissal. However, the motion should be debated, otherwise the House is being treated as an utter rubber stamp.

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