Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

It is a difficult task to balance these two interests. I have done my best but I am impressed by Senator Walsh's point that, under the general power to make disciplinary regulations, it appears that procedures could easily be put in place — subject to discussion with the Attorney General — for a system of vouching and counter-signature by another member of the force. Another superintendent could be brought in from outside to vouch for a matter. An arrangement of this kind might be made in order to minimise the capacity to abuse this loophole.