Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish I could share the Minister's optimism that things will be different. To cite one example, on the watch of the Garda Commissioner, Ms Nóirín O'Sullivan, an assistant Garda Commissioner, Mr. Donal Ó Cualáin, is examining certain serious allegations made by serving Garda whistleblowers. The investigation, which has been ongoing for nine months, does not appear to be making any progress and no reports have been forthcoming. The handling of this matter is extremely worrying. I am not so sure things have changed much. As I have stated previously, we should have examined the approach taken to policing in Northern Ireland where an active effort was made to clean out the old hierarchy and start afresh. This has not been done here.

On the independent review mechanism, the Minister went to great pains in her previous replies to refer to the independence and objectivity of the mechanism. We must remember that the various positions were not advertised, the review's terms of reference were not published, the individuals who made the complaints have not been interviewed and have not received feedback and the mechanism does not have judicial status and, as such, is not subject to an appeal mechanism. As far as the individuals in question are concerned, it is akin to a kangaroo court. While I do not want to prejudge the final outcome, the way in which this matter has been handled is worrying.

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