Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 23, line 18, to delete “Minister” and substitute “Independent Examiner”.

This amendment seeks to replace the responsibility for deciding whether a matter relates to policing services or security services with the independent examiner of security legislation. In the Bill as drafted, this responsibility lies with the Minister for Justice. It is our assertion that it should not be for the Minster for Justice to determine whether a matter is one of policing or security. Leaving this decision with the Minister of the day risks politicising the distinction to the potential detriment of public safety. The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland examined the role of An Garda Síochána as both a police service and a State security agency. Ultimately, it recommended the creation of an independent examiner, as provided for by the Bill. For this office to function effectively, it must be independent of Government.