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

I am glad we have the support of our future partners in government and I acknowledge Deputy Howlin's interest in this issue for quite some time.

Such an independent Garda authority would incorporate the existing Garda inspectorate. Its function would be to drive the agenda for reform and ensure measures are implemented rather than put on the long finger. Obviously, any such body would have to have a clear remit and inject professionalism and modernism into a force that has served the country well but which now needs to be updated.

Clearly, there is a need for an overarching body to take responsibility for implementing best international practice. This country is no different from other ones. We have seen the policing authority in Northern Ireland and those in other countries. I am convinced this is the way forward.

An organisation with 12,762 members which I hope is growing — it certainly will be under the next Government — is a large one. Taking the analogy of the corporate sector, apart from an executive board, one will see the need for executive and non-executive directors. The Garda Síochána could borrow extensively from the corporate and private sectors. In fact, all major corporate bodies in Ireland operate under systems such as that.

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