Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Yes, but it would damage our relationship if I was to read criticism levelled at me by the Garda Commissioner in the newspapers. I would not dream of criticising him in public, unless we were in an extreme situation, neither would he dream of doing the same. However, if he genuinely disagreed with a policy enclosed in the strategy statement for the Garda Síochána at my behest, it would be unfortunate if a public rift emerged because of an obligation on a Commissioner to be truthful as to his personal views on a particular issue. This provision is for the protection of a Commissioner. It is as wrong to ask him if he disagrees with my policies as it is to ask if he agrees with them. If one keeps asking him with what does he agree one will eventually identify that with which he disagrees. That is not a useful way to carry out the Commissioner's functions. The Garda Síochána is a disciplined force, and the Commissioner is in charge of discipline within the force. It would be strange if he was entitled to break ranks with the Government of the day on points of Government policy and criticise it. The relationship between the Commissioner and Government of the day would be seriously undermined if he were given the right and entitlement to criticise Government policy before the Oireachtas. It would not assist him in any way and would render that relationship dysfunctional.