Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Neither I nor the Government will delay the appointment of Mr. Drew Harris. The appointment of a new Garda Commissioner is always significant, but it is particularly so with the appointment of Mr. Harris, the first person from outside the jurisdiction to be appointed to the position since the establishment of An Garda Síochána almost 100 years ago. The new Commissioner is a person of huge ability and the highest integrity. He worked in the PSNI throughout its transformation following the peace process. I am sure that experience will help him greatly in his new role as Garda Commissioner. Co-operation between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána has never been as good and this appointment will serve to cement that relationship even further.

As we approach the centenary of the establishment of An Garda Síochána, the organisation is on the cusp of significant change. The expert Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland is in the final stages of its work and its report will chart a new model for policing in the decades ahead. The new Commissioner will take up his post at this critical time. I look forward to the Deputy's contribution, with that of every other Member in the House, in ensuring the institutional framework agreed under the Stormont House Agreement can be established at the earliest opportunity to deal with the issue as raised.

I offer my condolences to all those involved, especially those affected by the brutal massacre to which the Deputy referred. I will not comment, however, on any court decision in Northern Ireland, no more than I would comment on any court decision here.

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