Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

When Sinn Féin was told that the establishment of such an authority could not be achieved, we diligently stuck to our task and were able - along with others - to bring about the necessary wholesale reform.

Regarding the issue of consultation, I have informed the Taoiseach on a number of occasions that one of Sinn Féin's contributions was to persuade the Patton Commission to visit neighbourhoods in west Belfast, such as the Shankill Road, etc., and villages, such as Crossmaglen, which suffered terribly during the conflict in order to hear about the experiences of the people who live there. In the context of consultation, the same thing should happen here. The people who live in Sherriff Street, Sean MacDermott Street, parts of Limerick and other working class areas may have a slightly different view of policing than those who live in more palatial surroundings.

I agree with the Taoiseach entirely that the majority of the officers of An Garda Síochána carry out their duties in a very brave, courageous and highly skilled manner, but if we are to do our duty by them and the citizens they serve, the policing authority needs to be established as quickly as possible. I have not seen the Garda Inspectorate's crime investigation report but have been briefed on it and on what is in the media. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn will deal with our party's response to it. The report's 200 recommendations are an eloquent argument for the wholesale reform that is necessary.

The Taoiseach spoke about this being a radical move, yet he opposed it when we proposed it. The former Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, dismissed it as being totally unnecessary. The Government set its face against it until there was public clamour over the revelations emerging week on week. I welcome the fact the Government was forced to do a U-turn on this issue.

Can we be given an indication of when the full legislation will be before the Dáil? There are ongoing issues, which will be fired by today's report, and it will become another matter of controversy. In this regard, I presume the job of the Government is to ensure the public has confidence in the agencies and institutions of the State, rather than engaging in this ongoing and corrosive undermining of public confidence. When can we expect the legislation to be introduced? Is it possible that it could be discussed before the end of this session?

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