Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I expect the Garda authority will be set up before the end of the year. The person who is appointed chairman will also be in a position to contribute in respect of the advertisements that have been placed for the appointment of a new Garda Commissioner. I understand Deputy Wallace was invited to Farmleigh to discuss the concept of the police authority but was unable to attend on the day. It would have been an opportunity for him to make his contribution at that point.

The barristers appointed by the Minister for Justice and Equality were to assess a range of claims and allegations which came both to my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality and were made following publicity on this issue. All of these claims, as I understand, have been sent to GSOC for analysis. I still get claims coming in from people, whom I advise to report directly to GSOC for an analysis. The budget to be presented next week will include the conclusion of the allocation of the Vote for the Department of Justice and Equality covering this issue.

Work is ongoing in regard to the terms of reference for the commission of investigation following Guerin, and will be brought before the House in due course. As I said, I expect the new authority to be set up by the end of the year. Just because the legislation is not on the A list does not mean there is not a great deal of work happening. If there are individual issues the Deputy wishes to raise, I will come back to him on them.

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