Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Even in the Minister's response, we only got as far as 2014 in terms of the number of inquiries and tribunals. We have had recent scandals and internal investigations into Garda mismanagement and internal activities, including on breath tests, fixed charge notice penalties and Templemore. The commission has been established and Sinn Féin also welcomes it. It is proper that the commission takes a look at policing and security within this State and makes recommendations. However, we have had a litany of recommendations over the years through Garda Inspectorate reports, as Deputy O'Callaghan has mentioned. When we discussed this issue with the Minister, she gave a commitment that the work that the commission is going to undertake over the next 18 months would not impact on any reforms which need to take place. That should also include any proposals in terms of legislation being brought forward not only by the Minister's office but also by Opposition Deputies. It is important that we do not use the commission as an excuse or as a reason not to bring forward radical reforms within An Garda Síochána. Deputies O'Callaghan and Wallace and I have a number of legislative measures which we believe, were all-party cooperation in place, would leave us in a far better place than we are in today.

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