Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The terms of reference for the justice reform committee are to oversee the development of proposals for an independent police authority and associated reforms to the policing and justice system. The Garda Inspectorate has produced a report that is 600 pages long, has 200 recommendations and was reflected upon by Cabinet this morning. It is to be taken very seriously because it points out inadequacies in the system. It points out where things could have been done better, as well as the lack of investment in many areas that would allow gardaí to do the job more effectively. This is being responded to by the Garda today and, obviously, the Minister for Justice and Equality also will respond to the Garda Inspectorate report. This is one of two reports, the second of which is to be produced in the not-too-distant future. I assume the person to be appointed as the chairman of the independent policing authority, which I suggest is the most radical move in Irish policing systems since the foundation of the State, will be in a strong position to oversee the consequences and the implementation of recommendations arising from the Garda Inspectorate's report. I reiterate there is a second report to come. This report is extremely extensive and detailed and gives a reflection on the complex nature of the range of activities and problems that gardaí face nationwide. It is a report that deserves to be discussed in this Chamber. It contains 200 recommendations and I believe the person to be appointed as chair of the independent policing authority will be in a strong position to oversee what must follow the production of the report.

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