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

This is another amendment proposed by Senators Ruane, Black and Flynn. It amended section 36(1), which requires the Garda Commissioner to keep the Minister and the Secretary General of the Department of Justice fully informed of certain matters. The amendment added an additional paragraph requiring the Garda Commissioner to inform the Minister of significant developments that might reasonably be expected to adversely affect the performance of An Garda Síochána. A general requirement under section 36(1)(d) is already placed on the Garda Commissioner to keep the Minister fully informed of any other matters that in the Commissioner's opinion should be brought to the Minister's attention. However, as we have seen in recent times it is crucial that there is no impediment to An Garda Síochána performing its functions effectively. The crucial element of this is the need for clear and unfettered communication between the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice, and any such impediments. In that regard, I was happy to support this amendment.

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