Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I am grateful to the Minister for giving us such a full and considered response, and I agree with his comments on the 2006 and 2007 legislation, which I also referred to earlier. He is correct in saying this legislation gave extensive powers to the gardaí, some of which could well be described as draconian in nature, and those powers are enough to ensure trials are likely to proceed more easily to conviction. I am also grateful to him for indicating that he will bring a criminal procedure Bill before the House, and I look forward to debating that.

We should also acknowledge the bravery of the many victims, and their families who have come forward to give evidence leading to successful prosecution in the past. The Minister is right. We must bear in mind the need for a fair trial and observe constitutionality in all criminal legislation brought forward.

I have a specific question on CAB for the Minister. I am glad to see his emphasis on a multi-agency approach, which has been important in the role of CAB in the past. The current chief bureau officer is a Detective Chief Superintendent. Is there scope in the future for the appointment of a chief bureau officer who is not a garda? I think I am right in saying the first chief bureau officer was not a garda. The Minister has said new, non-garda staff have been appointed to CAB, and is it possible to see a non-garda appointed in the spirit of the multi-agency approach?