Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

The Minister is not prepared to accept this amendment. The purpose of section 100 is to ensure that appropriate administrative arrangements are agreed between the Garda Commissioner and the Garda Síochána ombudsman commission on certain important operational activities. The aim is to ensure that the resources of both organisations are used efficiently and effectively and that opportunities for synergy are maximised so investigations can proceed without undue delays. The matters specified in the Bill that are to be made the subject of protocols are operational matters and they are to be agreed exclusively between the Garda Commissioner and the commission.

Interagency guidelines and protocols provide a framework within which the work of the relevant agencies can proceed in harmony. The Garda Síochána is party to protocols with other agencies with which it interfaces on a daily basis. Health boards, for example, come to mind. These protocols have not been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is not necessary for protocols dealing with operational matters such as these to be laid before the Houses.