Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

We will bear that proposal in mind.

In relation to the point made by Senator Tuffy, the position is that the Garda Síochána are doing the investigation here and they are the people who ultimately make the finding. The question of the imposition of sanctions is for the Chief Constable to decide. It is important that the Garda is allowed to continue with the investigation up to the point where a finding can be made and recommendations can be given to the Chief Constable. It is ultimately the Chief Constable's responsibility but I imagine a finding against an individual by the Garda Síochána which may recommend dismissal because of their activities while on secondment in this State, would have a powerful effect on the Chief Constable. The chances are that the Chief Constable would have to take some similar disciplinary action. The proposal is to enable the Garda to continue the investigation to the point where a finding can be made even if the person has returned to the North.