Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not disagree with the principle of what the Deputy is saying. The decision by the Government to set up an independent police authority is a radical change from what has applied since the foundation of the State. It is a change we intend to follow through, and it will be a litmus test in many ways for the independence and authority of the new body.

The advertisements have been placed for the appointment of a new Garda Commissioner. It is not just a national but an international competition and I do not have any direction over it. Those who wish to be considered for the post will apply and there will be a strict set of criteria and assessment set out for the selection of the appointee. The reason for having an independent Garda authority is to ensure there is transparency and accountability in respect of the fundamentally important entity that is the Garda Síochána. That work is proceeding, both in terms of the advertising for the appointment of a new Commissioner and the establishment of the independent police authority.

Regarding the assessment of claims and allegations, they all, as I explained, have gone from my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality to GSOC. That work is under way. The Minister for Justice and Equality is very focused on doing this right and in such a way that it will be a litmus test of how serious we are about completely changing the direction of what applied before. As I understand it, the interim Commissioner has appointed a civilian person to deal with the HR issues in the Garda Síochána, which is a first.

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