Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The part of the agreement relating to two police forces is based on Recommendation 128 of the Patten Commission which states:

Lateral entry of experienced officers from other police forces or services, and secondments or recruitments from non-police organisations should be actively encouraged.

It goes on to say:

The Patten report recommended that the community balance at more senior ranks in the Police Service should be redressed by lateral entry from other police services. The two Governments have committed themselves to taking all necessary steps to facilitate lateral entry to both services at ranks above inspector, including the bringing forward of any necessary legislation. Issues relating to equivalence of ranks and qualifications, selection procedures and administrative measures on entry need to be resolved in both jurisdictions.

The Senator is correct. It is the beginning of something new which we will review in light of our experience.