Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, to the House. Like my colleague, Senator Regan, I will speak in support of the motion. As the spokesman for justice, equality and law reform for the Government side in the House, I wish to record my indignation at the unfortunate and callous murder of Constable Stephen Paul Carroll of the PSNI. I also wish to indicate my indignation at the murder on Sunday night of the two British soldiers at a time when we believed we had left violence behind us. After ten or 11 years of peace, a peace supported by 99% of people North and South, these appalling incidents are mind-boggling.

I welcome the appointment of a replacement for Mr. Justice Kevin Haugh, whose untimely death after a distinguished service caused this vacancy. Like the Minister of State and my colleague, I have no doubt Dermot Gallagher will be an excellent replacement. His record in the public service is long, his career is untainted and he has given unstinting service in many areas. This is an important appointment and I place on the record my appreciation of the way in which he has accepted a reduced salary, the patriotic call to which I referred last week. Perhaps other senior public servants, members of the Judiciary in particular, will reconsider their salaries.

Dermot Gallagher has a long and distinguished career. Between 1987 and 1991, he was an assistant secretary general in charge of the Anglo-Irish division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. From 1991 to 1997, he was our ambassador to the United States of America. In 1997, he became the second Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin with responsibility for British-Irish relations. Between 2000 and 2001, he was the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach. From 2001 to 2009, he served as the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs. This is a significant curriculum vitae and Dermot Gallagher has acquitted himself with distinction.

I concur with the Minister of State's remarks in that Mr. Gallagher is a hard-working individual. While I do not know him as well as the Minister of State does, I do not doubt his appointment is important, especially given the recent disastrous developments in the North. It should be acknowledged that Mr. Gallagher was a key figure and intense worker in advance of the Good Friday Agreement.

The importance of the role of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission should be put on the record. Since its inception in 2007, it has done considerable work. Since May 2007, it has received approximately 5,000 complaints, more than 3,500 of which have been finalised. This is an important fact given the cloud of suspicion and doubt that used to hang over the Garda Síochána. Without going into detail, we should remember the County Donegal situation among others. The new commission plays a significant role in allaying public fears because it adds a layer of security.

The commission is a triumvirate. As the Minister of State mentioned, appointments to it are made by the President on the recommendation of the Government, a rather unusual process. It is worth noting that the commission's other members have good track records and that the commission has been doing good work. I acknowledge Mr. Justice Haugh's significant work in this regard.

Having studied the briefing note on the commission, I note that the commission has proposed legislative amendments to the 2005 Act. While I am not familiar with the amendments, the proposal is proactive and welcome and indicates the commission's willingness to work with the Oireachtas in improving the role of the ombudsman's office.

I support the motion and wish Mr. Gallagher every success in his new role. I also wish the commission every success, as it is one of the most important bodies for the betterment of the police force. In the course of time, it will prove to be an important stepping stone towards fairness and equity as far as the public is concerned. I am confident this appointment is most appropriate and par excellence.