Feargal Quinn (Independent)

It would be lovely if he did not have to but, from my reading of the Bill, it appears that those types of matters are handled not by the Minister, but some section of his Department. I would be delighted if my mind could be put at rest in that regard.

One can also get an idea of the extent of Government involvement when one looks at how appointments are made, an issue to which Senator Jim Walsh referred. In a semi-State body, the Government appoints a board which, in turn, appoints the chief executive who appoints any further staff needed. Sometimes the Government has a say in the appointment of the chief executive of the semi-State board. In cases of particular sensitivity, the Government may look for a say in the appointment of that chief executive, but that is quite rare and it usually leaves it to the board and accepts its recommendation. The Government would never get involved in appointments below that level.

Compare that to the situation in the Garda Síochána. Again, I would be delighted if the Minister said I was making a mistake. In this case, as far as I can see, the Government appoints the chief executive — the Garda Commissioner — directly, with which I agree. It is vitally important the Government has special confidence in the person who occupies that job. However, I question the need for the Government to appoint the deputy commissioner and the various assistant commissioners. That gives the Government direct hiring and firing powers over the top management of the organisation. Is there a possibility that is a little too much? However, before I even asked that question, I looked at the provisions in the Bill and discovered that the power of direct Government appointment is being extended even further, right down to the level of superintendent. I see no good reason to give the Government a say in appointments at that level. It is one thing for the Government to appoint the Commissioner, with which I agree, but holding political power over appointments right down to the level of superintendent seriously undermines the perceived independence of the police force. It sends out all the wrong messages. I urge the Minister to at least rethink that provision.