Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

"No" is the answer to the Deputy's question. The issue of an independent authority for the Garda Síochána is a matter on which both Fine Gael and the Labour Party jointly agreed as far back as 2006. I believe there is an opportunity here to deal with this for once and for all, and provide a professional, competent, efficient, modern, transparent and accountable police force, by having an independent authority. The two parties, as a Government, decided and committed to doing that. This will not be an authority in the same way as the Northern Ireland authority because, as Deputy Adams knows only too well, the issues of security and policing are separate in Northern Ireland.

In regard to the matters on which we made decisions this morning at Cabinet, if the House wishes there will be an opportunity for statements on it tomorrow. As I stated to Deputies Martin and Adams, as information relevant to the new issue which has arisen becomes available we will make it available to them also.

I remind Deputy Adams with regard to the area of justice and trust and public confidence in the system the situation as applied is not working properly. This is why the abolition of the confidential recipient has taken place. This is why the terms of reference are being examined by the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. It is why GSOC is doing a full presentation in respect of the penalty point issue. It is why Mr. Guerin SC is examining the question of the allegations brought to the attention of public representatives and given to me in the Dáil. It is why Mr. Justice Cooke is doing his report. All of these must come before the House, be debated in the House, published and made available to all Members of the House and the public. In this regard this is an opportunity to lead for a new authority which will bring the Garda Síochána right into the modern era where everybody can have absolute faith in the accountability, transparency, effectiveness, competence and professionalism of the Garda force so everybody understands the standards required and the standards which must be met. The Garda Síochána Inspectorate's report will be debated in the House on Thursday. The Minister for Justice and Equality will address it and will take questions and answers at the end.

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