Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

It was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas, in February 2005, I believe. Proposed textual amendments are listed at the back to the 2005 Act.

I do not want the House to divide on this. If we set up something independently to look at a profession, it is best to allow it to operate without restriction, but there are issues concerning the complexity and volume of work that needs to be addressed. Even if we were to double or treble the resources of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, I do not know if we could still deal with the bulk of relatively minor cases.

I thank Members of the House for the confidence they will place in Mr. Dermot Gallagher. He is one of the best possible candidates that could have been chosen for this job. I wish the Ombudsman Commission well in the future. It is a pity that Deputy Ó Snodaigh cannot support this nomination. It would be preferable if it was unanimous in the House.

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