Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

Does this section not seem to politicise the Garda Síochána? This section and the amendment proposed to it gives power to the Minister to play a hands-on role in the operation of the Garda Síochána. Subsection (1)(a) provides that the Minister will have a say, after consulting with the Garda Commissioner and the Government, on the different ranks into which the members of the Garda Síochána are to be divided. The Minister will have a say in the admission, appointment and enrolment of members. Subsection (1)(i) provides that the Minister will have a say in the promotion of members.

Legislation was recently passed which provides for the Minister to make appointments up to the rank of Commissioner. One could take from a reading of this section and from what the Minister of State said in regard to the amendment that the Minister, after consulting the Garda Commissioner and the Government, can have a say in the promotion of members of the Garda Síochána.

Will the Minister of State give us a briefing on this issue? Is that the case? I do not believe anybody would want the Minister of the day irrespective of what party he or she is a member, to have a political say in promotions of members of the force, in the admission, appointment and enrolment of members or of the rank into which the members of the Garda Síochána are to be divided. Will the Minister of State explain this amendment and section?