Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the amendment put forward by Senator Ruane. It is worth considering, but I understand that it will potentially be considered at a later stage.

When going through the section, in particular, section 61(2) states that "Before determining policing priorities, the Authority shall consult with-----" and one of the provisions is "such other persons as the Authority considers appropriate". Can the Minister maybe expand a little bit on who might be included on that, how that might work and how that consultation might come about? Section 61(3) provides that "When determining policing priorities, the Authority shall have regard to the policing principles." In terms of the policing principles, can the Minister confirm where they are set down and how often they are reviewed? Is there scope to expand on those? In the context of the way policing is evolving in the State, the principles may or may not change but there is probably scope there to have a further look at that as well. Overall, I support this action and understand what it is trying to do but there could be a little bit more detail as to who can be consulted, how that might work and what the process is. Is there any scope for cases when somebody is not in agreement with who is being consulted? How that is dealt with?