Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Section 3(2) provides specifically that the ranks in the Garda Síochána to which members coming from the North may be appointed under this section, and the number of such members to be appointed, may be proscribed. In other words, it will be dealt with in regulations which obviously will be drafted in the light of discussion between the police services on both sides of the Border and political contacts between the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Administration on the other side.

I understand the Garda Commissioner has something in mind, although the exact number or target has not yet been communicated to me. The Commissioner has something in mind but has yet to find out if that is achievable. We have wide discretion as to how we put this in the regulation. For example, a maximum number could be put in and varied in different ways. The Government is thinking along these lines.