Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I will not comment on No. 1 as I am afraid to ask any questions. The Leader might run the matter by us again later.

It is right at this time to acknowledge that the Houses of the Oireachtas owe Mr. Justice Frederick Morris a great debt of gratitude for the publication yesterday of the Morris tribunal report and for the previous report he sent to us. Others could learn from the efficient way in which he has dealt with the matters he was asked to investigate by the Oireachtas. Today, it is fair to say, is an especially black day for the Garda Síochána on foot of the dramatic findings of the Morris tribunal. We would be fooling ourselves if we failed to recognise that more is needed to establish greater accountability and the confidence of the public in the force than simply the enactment of the Garda Síochána Bill 2004 with all of its reforms, new structures and independent ombudsman inspectorate provisions. When we debate the reports, which I presume will take place before the summer recess, we should address the need for international scrutiny of the force. I tabled an amendment to the Minister at the time regarding the need to follow international best practice when it comes to looking into matters of this kind. Members of the Garda Síochána would learn greatly and would benefit from having international experts within the force to help them in the important work they will do in the years to come. It would also engender greater confidence among members of the public in their important work.

The 99.9% of members of the force who go about their work every day in such an exemplary manner——