Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dea, for coming to the House to debate the Bill. It is an important part of the developing relationship between the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. I appreciate the need for the timely passing of the legislation, but I also reiterate the need for reforming legislation concerning the structures of accountability for the Garda Síochána. The Minister of State mentioned the proposed Garda inspectorate legislation. I ask the Government to go further than what is proposed, and examine the need for a Garda ombudsman and an independent Garda authority.