Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

One of the difficulties for An Garda Síochána is that the political system concentrates on the force and gets interested in its failings in the aftermath of specific reports. As a result of that political concentration, the Garda can move from crisis to crisis. It is important to have an appraisal and a proper assessment of An Garda Síochána away from crises, such as those dealt with by the Morris and O'Higgins reports. We need to change management and supervision to ensure that the victims of crime are not let down as they were in the case of the material dealt with in the O'Higgins report.

The Minister will also be aware that there were a couple of recommendations in the O'Higgins report, one of which was to change the terms and conditions of the sergeant in charge. Will the Minister urge the Commissioner to conduct an immediate review and change of the terms and conditions of sergeants in charge? It is one of the few recommendations in the O'Higgins report on which we can act promptly.

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