Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy in his initial question raised a set of circumstances to me that I responded to as not being aware of them. What I am very clear on, and the Government is clear on, is that our overwhelming prerogative is the integrity and reputation of An Garda Síochána. It is part of the glue that holds any society together - the respect for and independence of a police force. That is the very reason that, over recent years, in response to many difficulties that have emerged, we have put in place bodies like the Policing Authority. It is the very reason we are now in a situation where the Policing Authority itself is the body that makes appointments at senior level. It is the very reason we have GSOC, and the Government is now engaged in consultation with GSOC regarding whether further powers are merited for that organisation to respond to the cultural change we know is needed. All of this is driven by our acknowledgement of the need for a strong, respected An Garda Síochána that has no shadows or clouds over it.

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