Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have two issues with that. First, regarding Deputy Adams, I met him on this issue. I kept him fully informed. I do not have the date of the meeting with him but I was keen at all times to keep the Deputy, as the local representative, fully apprised of the position. Second, regarding GSOC, I agree with Deputy Ó Laoghaire that there is a strong case for GSOC's staffing and resources to be increased. It is not in anybody's interest that there is any perception that GSOC cannot fulfil its statutory mandate for want of resources. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that GSOC has the appropriate level of resources it requires.

I received a proposal from GSOC on 19 February. GSOC's business case envisages both short-term and medium-term staffing demands with a longer-term business case dependent on changing legislation. The business case seeks a total of 37 extra staff in the short to medium term. Some 24 of the additional staff would be for the investigations-operation side of the organisation, with the remaining 13 being administrative. That business case is currently being examined and will be the subject of further discussion with GSOC and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. It is important to note and recognise that GSOC's budget was boosted by €1 million to allow it to engage external staff to carry out an investigation into certain allegations.

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