Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I hope the Minister will explain that provision because my reading of its suggests members in the lower ranks of the force will also be appointed by the Minister. The Government has gone to great lengths to put a new system in place for all Civil Service appointments, yet under this legislation, the Garda Commissioner, who is a Government appointee, will be given powers to make appointments to the Garda's civilian staff. The Commissioner, therefore, could appoint all the civilian staff. The Minister is turning his back completely on the new recruitment commission. Garda civilian staff should be appointed by the new commission rather than by the Commissioner.

I am delighted the legislation provides that members of the Garda can take up posts in the Police Service of Northern Ireland. This is a good initiative and gardaí will take it up. However, I wonder how it will work out for gardaí who are active members of the GAA. Perhaps the Minister will elaborate on this question when he concludes Second Stage or on Committee Stage.