David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I said, the Minister is committed to the authority assuming its functions regarding senior appointments as soon as practicable. Her Department is working as a matter of priority on the preparations required to give effect to this transfer before the end of the year. The commencement of section 12 is dependent on the regulations governing promotion in An Garda Síochána being amended to reflect the envisaged role of the authority. In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner and the authority must be consulted on any proposed changes to these regulations. In addition, the Garda representative bodies are being consulted. Work on the preparation of the proposed changes to the regulations is well advanced in the Department and, as I said, the Minister expects that this necessary preparatory work will be completed this year. All going to plan, the function will transfer to the authority in December. I have taken note of other points the Deputy has raised, and we will bring them to the attention of the Minister.

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