Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Yes, I know. Or one has the other side of the equation, with people asking why the No. 11 bus did not run at 7.10 a.m. instead of at 7.20 a.m. That is the sort of question I used to be asked as Minister. One cannot know at what time every bus goes. There are two sides to every argument. It is right to allow the Minister to issue directives.

I point out to the Acting Chairman that I will be marking progress, not concluding the discussion on the Bill.

The Garda Complaints Board was perhaps right for its time. It was hailed as revolutionary when set up, but it never lived up to its revolutionary hopes — revolutionary in a proper sense. Somehow, it got bogged down. One was seen to be in the wrong if one made a complaint. Generally, that was how the body was observed to operate. The new structure will enable complaints to be properly made, in a clear and properly delineated manner, and there will be people to deal with them. The Minister has introduced an oversight measure which is necessary. I have been thinking about it since the Minister spoke about it. It is a good idea, but it remains to be seen how it will work out. The statutory footing for bringing in local unpaid volunteers conjures up in my mind the English films one sometimes sees about old-fashioned deaf constables. I am sure that is not what is meant. If the volunteers are needed, the legislation will be there.