Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I, too, am concerned by the reports that distressed Mrs. O'Toole. I will not go into whether they are spun out of the air or are the result of winks and nods or whispers from sources within the Garda. I have seen both happen, and both reflect badly on the ethical and professional standards of the people concerned, regardless of their profession. What I had intended to say has already been said by Senator Tuffy. I support her comments. If ever there was a case where public opinion required independent reassurance about an investigation, this is it. It appears to be a ready-made case for investigation by a Garda ombudsman, if one were in operation. That is what would happen in Northern Ireland.

The Garda Ombudsman Commission is an independent body and will make its own decisions but could the Leader find out from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects that commission to commence operations? It was established in February 2006. Nuala O'Loan had six months to set up her office, although she regarded that as too short a time. Nevertheless, after 13 months one would have expected that the commission would be ready for business and that the staff would have been trained. If one were an ombudsman, this would be the case with which to start one's career. If the commission could be encouraged to look in that direction, it would be helpful to all concerned.