Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

The Bill allows for the Minister to nominate a member of the audit committee. This would not preclude the Minister or his successors from appointing a member of the force thereto. This will ensure that the nominee will not be representing an organisation but will be an experienced and respected member of the force, past or present. This provision does not state that the nominee cannot be a serving or former member of the Garda Síochána. There is flexibility in this regard and I recommend it be considered by the Minister.