Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Senators Maurice Hayes and Jim Walsh are correct. The agreement is already in place and we do not have the power to amend it. As I understand, there are three situations which are dealt with in the agreement. The first is lateral transfer. Those of superintendent rank can apply for a position in this country and vice versa. Second, people of ranks from inspector downwards can apply for secondment to this country or to Northern Ireland for a period of up to three years. They will, in effect, be a member of the police force in the jurisdiction to which they are seconded. Article 5 provides for people to come down here on a temporary basis or for people to go North on a temporary basis for a maximum of 12 months. What is envisaged is that people with specialist skills in certain areas will be able to share their expertise with people on the other side of the Border and vice versa.The question of people being able to do policing work is dealt with. People can be seconded to do policing work. The parties to the 2002 agreement envisaged that people would come and go for relatively short periods to give the benefit of their expertise to those on the other side. I will bear in mind what has been said. I will bear in mind also Senator Maurice Hayes's point about reviewing the provision in three years' time. The main issue is that the agreement is in place and we do not have the power to change it.