Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I welcome these amendments because they strengthen the Bill significantly. I was confused in the earlier discussions by the confusion between the potential ombudsman and the inspectorate. It is very important that there be an inspectorate but there is a difficulty in having an inspectorate for a single force. Her Majesty's inspectorates in the United Kingdom cover several forces so there is comparability. One of the models which the Minister of State could consider is the implementation commission set up under the Patten report in Northern Ireland which has functioned very well.

Does the Minister of State contemplate the inspectorate publishing its report in full or part, which could be helpful in maintaining public confidence in the force? With regard to the appointments, it is absolutely right to have a senior police officer from other forces. No member of the Garda Síochána should be involved but it requires people who have experience of management and so on. As regards the appointment of Irish people, I know a couple of distinguished Irish officers holding senior ranks in other police services and forces around the world who would be very good at this job.