Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Unfortunately, I have not seen the programme yet, but I will watch it over the weekend. I have read much of what was in the report. What is important here from a justice point of view is that the Garda has the capabilities and, in the same way as was outlined in the previous question, that the legislation is in place to ensure that it can do its work, and that it has the numbers to make sure it can carry out the physical investigations and the right level of expertise. We have a number of recommendations specifically relating to that. There are two recommendations on new legislation that is required but, thankfully, drafting is under way in the Department. The largest is a community policing Bill, which will underpin all of the new structures within An Garda Síochána. There are also recommendations on being able to detain and question people for longer, as well as recommendations on resourcing. While some of what is required is in train, more of it is new and we will get to work on that. I hope to introduce an implementation plan early in the new year and we will act on that. This is a very serious issue that impacts on many people's lives. It is important that all of the relevant authorities have the capability to deal with this so that we do not hear of any more cases such as the one Deputy Burke outlined.

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