Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the role to be played by a person (details supplied) in regard to the oversight of Garda reform; if his attention has been drawn to comments (details supplied) made; his views on these comments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21442/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Senator Maurice Hayes is the chairperson of the implementation advisory group which I established to facilitate the timely implementation of the Garda Síochána Bill.

The terms of reference of the group are: to review preparations for the timely implementation of the Garda Síochána Bill, with particular reference to the (i) establishment of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, (ii) establishment of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, and (iii) development of guidelines to enable the establishment of joint policing committees; and to report to me on progress by the end of 2005.

Senator Hayes comes to the task with a wide breadth of experience in this area. He undertook a review of police complaints which led to the establishment of the Police Ombudsman in Northern Ireland and his work there and on the Patten Commission involved the study of police services in several countries.

I am aware of the views expressed by Senator Maurice Hayes on certain provisions in the Garda Síochána Bill. I was aware of his views before I appointed him as chairperson of the implementation advisory group, and had no hesitation in asking the Senator to take on the task. I am proposing a number of amendments to these provisions in the course of Report Stage debate on the Bill in the House this week.

I agree with Senator Hayes's recent comments in the Seanad indicating that the enactment of the Garda Síochána Bill should not be delayed any further.