David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 8:

In page 5, between lines 17 and 18, to insert the following:“(2) The Ombudsman Commission may, if the investigation so requires, access the PULSE system.”.

This issue has been discussed on Second and Committee Stages and the amendment recommends that access to the PULSE system by GSOC is given on a statutory footing and not by way of protocols. If I may quote from one of the joint committee's recommendations:

The access to Garda systems is of integral importance to the operation of effective oversight of An Garda Síochána. While in practice, this process is already in operation between An Garda Síochána, GSO[C] and the Garda Inspectorate, it is only by means of protocols which have been put in place. The Committee submits that this needs to be placed on a statutory footing in order to ensure that no party can opt out of a protocol.

Again, I would argue this strengthens the Bill and seeks to achieve greater oversight and accountability in respect of the PULSE system.