Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are very much in unison on this. Everybody in the Oireachtas wants to ensure that the authority is up and running as quickly as possible but we want to ensure that it is up and running correctly from the very first day. That is why we need to ensure that the drafting error that was discovered in the amendment Bill is addressed. We have a mechanism to do so in regard to the Bill the Minister of State, Deputy English, is bringing forward. We must also ensure that the arrangement between An Garda Síochána and the ODCE is finalised and put on a permanent basis going forward. Negotiations in regard to that are almost complete. When they are completed, a memorandum of understanding will be signed by both the CEA and An Garda Síochána and at that stage it will be the right time to commence this new authority, which is something we all want to see. I assure Deputy Quinlivan that there is no resistance on this side of the House. We will have the authority set up and operational in the coming months.

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