Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I accept that but, even without making a provision in law, it would be difficult to return to the old regime. However, I do not want to create a mess for the CSO, without consultation, if it takes over this function. Significant progress has been made in publishing the figures on a quarterly basis. They are published without spin and, if Members do not believe me, I invite them to ask for the accompanying speeches and statements from my Department. When the CSO takes over this function from the Garda, it will improve significantly. It would be unwise to impose the quarterly provision in law without carefully considering whether it might create difficulties in the future.