Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to make two points in relation to this. First, had we not established a commission of investigation into these matters the Government would rightly stand accused, particularly by the people gracing the Opposition benches. I think everybody knows that. The Members know that themselves but we established the commission and we ensured these matters would be fully and appropriately investigated. Second, the investigation into the wider matter of the taping system is continuing and has not yet concluded. Anybody attempting to down play that particular issue to score points against the Government is prejudging Mr. Justice Fennelly's independent work.

I remain clear in my view that these were matters of significant public concern and merited investigation, and I challenge anybody on the Opposition benches to say otherwise. In terms of process, Mr. Justice Fennelly's interim report identifies a series of deficiencies that require careful consideration. In that respect, its findings are in keeping with the report of the independent review group on the Department of Justice and Equality, chaired by Mr. Toland, which examined the performance, management and administration of the Department. It is important to note that a series of actions are being taken to implement the recommendations of the review group report which will address deficiencies also identified by the commission.

The Government has already acted on what, in my view, is potentially the most important policing reform in many years. In keeping with long-standing Labour Party policy, the Government is establishing an independent policing authority to provide public oversight of policing services. The new authority will be able to demand reports and information and will hold regular public meetings with the Garda Commissioner and with senior Garda management. At these meetings the leadership of the Garda force will be required to account for their policies and priorities in an open and transparent forum. I believe this is a very positive development for the Garda because it will help ensure that trust and respect for the force is maintained and preserved. The policing authority is a fundamental, critical reform and the Government will not be found wanting if further reforms are necessary. In the same vein, the Government is delivering additional investment in the force to ensure it has the resources it needs, with more recruits and more vehicles coming on line and a commitment to invest in a significant update of its IT platforms. Indeed, I was delighted, only a few weeks ago, to attend the latest passing out ceremony in Templemore, a place that was shut down for recruitment purposes by the Fianna Fáil Party in 2009.

The track record of this Government has been one of delivery.

We have delivered a successful turnaround from the worst economic crisis this country has ever known and we are now working to cement the economic recovery and drive social renewal. Slowly but surely - too slowly for many of us - we can see signs of recovery and renewal. We have one of the fastest growth rates, if not the fastest growth rate, in the European Union. More important, however, 1,300 new jobs are being created every week, international investment is choosing Ireland, consumer confidence is increasing and, very significantly, two in every three people believe the country is on the right economic track.

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