Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will come to the Deputy's question. It is absolutely essential that we have increasing civilianisation in An Garda Síochána and it is essential that those civilians have a constructive, positive working relationship with members of An Garda Síochána. I am absolutely committed to ensuring there are more civilians in the Garda. Part of the modernisation, renewal and change that is needed is to ensure this happens.

I am very aware of the issues that have emerged at the Committee of Public Accounts and in evidence before the Policing Authority regarding the differences between some civilian members. One of the issues the Deputy mentioned was addressed at the Policing Authority's most recent meeting in respect of one of the examples that he cited. Both of these issues are before the Policing Authority and Committee of Public Accounts because that is where the documentation Mr. Barrett supplied was given. This documentation has to be dealt with and I am sure it will be further explored. The committee will want to find out what other people have to say about it. I understand that it is not a minute of the meetings that were held but a personal note. It would be very helpful if there was a minute of the meeting that took place but I have no doubt the committee will examine that matter.

In the context of the Garda Commissioner and the ongoing work she is doing, she is implementing the recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate's report. A range of initiatives and changes have taken place already. It is in the interests of the force that this work continues and that we, in this House, do everything to ensure it continues with the oversight bodies we have set up. That is the way forward and the right thing to do in terms of the public interest, An Garda Síochána and morale.

I would like to see less politicisation of these issues and the oversight bodies being allowed to get on with their work. I want to see the Committee of Public Accounts finishing its work on these issues. As I said, I will take very serious note of the findings of the committee when its report is published.

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