Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

What the Senator seeks is not unreasonable. However, it is not regarded as a matter for primary legislation, in the context of appointment to a rank in the Garda Síochana under this section, to provide for the composition of the selection board or interview panel. That is a matter which can be provided for, as appropriate, by regulation.

The amendment, as proposed, is to include a new paragraph (a) in subsection (4). That subsection states that the provisions outlined do not apply in relation to a person appointed under the section. Therefore, if the amendment was to be accepted, we would be making a provision to ensure a senior garda would not be able to sit on the panel – the opposite of what the Senator intends.

I realise that this was probably an error and that the intent was to ensure Garda management was involved in the interview or selection process, which is quite reasonable. However, the selection of PSNI officers for secondment will be a matter for the Chief Constable in the first instance. It may transpire that senior Garda management may be involved in that process but this will be a matter for consultation between the Garda Commissioner and the Chief Constable in due course. Matters relating to the appointment of officers under section 3 can be provided for in regulations by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform with the approval of the Government, as provided for in section 7 of the Bill.