Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

The amendment places an unnecessary restriction on the flexibility I wish to leave available to the Government in this important area. Subsection (1) of the new section 108 to be inserted following acceptance of amendment No. 123, does not specify any definite period of appointment for any inspector so as to give the Government maximum flexibility in this regard. Different aspects of the work of the Garda Síochána will be examined from time to time, and some areas will be more complex than others. Consequently the time involved in completing inspections will vary. In such circumstances, the Government may wish to consider appointing the chief inspector for a longer period than the two inspectors who, as I have already said, may be appointed for their expertise in particular areas of the policing function. Retention of expertise and knowledge will be an important aspect of the inspectorate's work, and I wish to exclude any provision which might cause the unnecessary loss of such to the new body.