Brendan Ryan (Labour)

The Minister has made a convincing case regarding the Garda Commissioner. My personal objection, as distinct from the objection raised in the amendment, is that such provision is standard in all legislation dealing with bodies such as the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland and others that are meant to play a role in public policy formulation. I accept the Garda Síochána does not have a role in terms of public policy formulation given the nature of its job. However, the chairmen of other bodies are prohibited by injunction from criticising public policy, a provision which is, effectively, a gag. The Minister made the valid point that the Garda Commissioner's position is unique.