Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not disagree with anything Deputy Smith said and I look forward to an opportunity for a more comprehensive debate on the report over the coming days. Deputy Smith will be aware the Government appointed a new Garda Commissioner who took up his position at the start of September. I very much welcome the initial response of Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to the tribunal report. It gives a positive indication of how seriously he takes the findings contained therein.

I acknowledge the work of the recent report of the independent Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland following its comprehensive analysis of policing in Ireland. Its report makes clear that transparency, governance and accountability in An Garda Síochána are fundamental. The implementation of that report will be the cornerstone of the necessary transformation in An Garda Síochána and the points made by Mr. Justice Charleton will very much inform the Government's approach to that implementation. I will be bringing a full implementation plan on the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland report to Cabinet before the end of the year. I wish to assure Deputy Smith that will take careful account of the conclusions of Mr. Justice Charleton.

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