Seanad debates

Tuesday, 8 April 2003

Garda Síochána (Police Co-Operation) Bill 2003: Second Stage.

 

The structure of the relationship allows for reciprocal arrangements on a lateral and secondment basis. I am glad to hear the Minister say some initiatives have been taken in this regard because one of the questions concerns how many will participate. The success of the initiative depends to a large extent on fairly fluid movement of reasonable numbers, otherwise it will not have the impact it could otherwise achieve. It will be interesting to see, when looking at the lateral mobility aspect, how successful people will be in competing for senior positions above the rank of superintendent within either the PSNI or the Garda. It would be nice to think that members of the Garda would be successful in gaining senior rank within the PSNI given its historical make up. Such success would achieve one of the Bill's objectives because one of the primary purposes of the Patten report was to achieve cross-community confidence in the PSNI. This measure will assist that process.

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