Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I stated, it is a very significant move for the Twenty-six Counties to move to an independent policing authority. It was important that the chairman designate of the authority be in a position to sit in respect of the final assessment of the person to be considered for appointment as Garda Commissioner. The Minister for Justice and Equality will deal with the appointment of the members of the independent authority very shortly and, obviously, the designated person will be in a position to assist in assessing the final interviews for the appointment of the next Garda Commissioner.

As I said, an opportunity will be provided for the person in question to drive reform of the policing system and ensure practices to ensure the Garda is fit to do and has the facilities to do its job efficiently and competently in a modern society. The force should be given the resources it needs. Over the past couple of years, we have tried to provide some extra funding for the provision of services for Garda motorbikes and cars. I saw some of them myself. Some of them were clapped out, having clocked up 300,000 or 400,000 miles. This should not be allowed to continue when the force is up against criminals who use high-powered cars to cross the country as they go about their criminal business.

The Deputy is aware the authority will comprise a chairman and eight ordinary members. Those ordinary members will be appointed by the Government following the selection process run by the independent appointments service. A resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas will be required to secure agreement on the appointments. The authority will approve a three-year strategy statement and an annual policing plan, to be submitted by the Commissioner. The authority will establish and publish, within 12 months, a code of ethics, including standards of conduct and practice for members of An Garda Síochána. The authority will hold meetings, at least quarterly, in public so there will be engagement throughout the country. It will be able to choose where to hold meetings. It will be entitled to request the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to investigate any policing matter that gives rise to concern that a member of An Garda Síochána may have committed an offence or behaved in a manner that would require disciplinary proceedings. It can request GSOC, subject to the approval of the Minister, to investigate any behaviour of the Garda Commissioner in the context of his or her functions in regard to policing matters. It can request GSOC to examine practices or procedures of An Garda Síochána in regard to policing matters, and it can request the Garda Inspectorate to initiate an inspection or inquiry into aspects of the operation and administration of An Garda Síochána in so far as they pertain to police matters.

I cannot give the Deputy a precise date for the legislation but I will update him. It is work that is very much under way. The intention is to have this matter legislated for as soon as possible. That is the position.

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