James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As Senators will be aware, this is a major overhaul of the system for Garda compensation claims. On Second Stage, a number of issues were raised. I want to make Senators aware of work that has been done on foot of that debate. Several Senators questioned why civilian staff of An Garda Síochána are not included in the new scheme for Garda compensation in view of the increase in civilianisation of the organisation. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, and I have looked again at this issue and are currently engaging with stakeholders with a view to bringing proposals to Government for approval to amend the Bill to include civilian staff. It is unfortunate that we have not been in a position to finalise these proposals in advance of Committee Stage. However, if the proposal is agreed by Cabinet, it is the intention of the Minister to introduce amendments to the Bill in Dáil Éireann. Those amendments will subsequently come back to this House for approval. Some further minor amendments will also be introduced in the Lower House. As I indicated on Second Stage, these are to sections 11 and 16 and relate to the requirement for the application forms to be prescribed by way of regulation.