Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The process was initiated in October and Mr. Justice O'Neill was supposed to have concluded it quickly. The Minister has probably had it for two months, although certainly for six weeks. It is only a paper review. It is not a large body of work. Clearly, there are questions for the Commissioner to answer and the political problem is one of how she can remain in place while the matter is being investigated. She cannot, not when every other garda who is under investigation is removed.

The ability of the Policing Authority to hire and fire the Commissioner is key if we are to develop independence at the top, as that is where the change must come from if we are to get the type of service that we need. We are a long way from that, however. We are on the road, but I am not sure that we are even half way through the journey.

We look forward to seeing the Minister's Bill, but we want it to include all our recommendations.

See this speech in context