I will address Deputy Pringle initially as he outlined where the Bill said that the Commissioner shall consult. He then outlined all of the various different bodies and he, perhaps conveniently, stopped then by saying "and so forth" because section (d) states: (d) shall ensure that the draft code of practice is published on the website of the Garda Síochána in order to allow persons a period that he or she shall specify to make written representations in relation to the draft code, This particular section (d) is sp…

I suppose because we are talking about a public consultation and public information campaign, I generally believe that the public consultation piece is already addressing this Bill. It very clearly set out in section (d) that this applies to all persons. Perhaps this Bill probably still has a way to go and I can discuss further with the Deputies how can we can ensure that there is public awareness raising campaign once this Bill is enacted.

I appreciate what the Deputies are saying. The public consultation is captured in this. When we are talking about codes of practice, we are talking about the technicalities of implementing a new procedure, and the development and roll-out of body-worn cameras. Any person who has an interest in this will be following the development of this legislation. Once this is enacted, the next steps will be for the Garda Commissioner to work through the codes of practice to put this online so there will be an opportunity for …

I move amendment No .1: In page 17, lines 8 and 9, to delete “or, in the English language, the Board of An Garda Síochána”. I will speak on amendment No. 1 and all other ministerial amendments in this grouping. I also note amendment No. 11 from Deputies Daly and Ó Snodaigh is included in this grouping. These amendments provide for the naming of bodies established by the Bill in the Irish language only and any other necessary consequential amendments. As Deputies will be aware, on Committee Stage, the then Minister,…

I move amendment No. 2: In page 17, line 16, to delete “body” and substitute “group”. Amendment No. 2 is a technical amendment to amend the Long Title to refer to an grúpa stiúrtha náisiúnta um shábháilteacht pobail or the national community safety steering group as a group rather than a body which is the term used in the legislation. Amendment No. 6 is a technical amendment to amend the Long Title to correct an incorrect capitalisation of “oifig” in oifig an Scrúdaitheora Neamhspleách um Reachtaíocht Slándála. Ame…

I move amendment No. 3: In page 17, line 17, to delete “or, in the English language, the National Community Safety Steering Group”.

I move amendment No. 4: In page 17, lines 19 and 20, to delete “or, in the English language, the National Office for Community Safety”.

I move amendment No. 5: In page 17, lines 22 and 23, to delete “or, in the English language, the Policing and Community Safety Authority”.

I move amendment No. 6: In page 17, line 31, to delete “ Oifig ” and substitute “ oifig ”.

I move amendment No. 7: In page 17, lines 31 and 32, to delete “or, in the English language, the office of Independent Examiner of Security Legislation”.

I move amendment No. 8: In page 22, between lines 3 and 4, to insert the following: “(3) A reference in this Act— (a) to the policing priorities shall, where the context admits, be construed as including a reference to the priorities relating to policing services determined by the Policing Authority (within the meaning of Part 4) under section 20 of the Act of 2005 that were in operation immediately before the repeal of that section by section 5, until such time as the Authority determines policing priorities, (b) …

This is a complex matter. Section 3 defines security services. The amendment provides that nothing in section 3 would authorise a member of An Garda to exercise a power conferred by law for a purpose that is not so authorised. An Garda Síochána only has powers that are provided for in any number of Acts or in common law. That does not change because of this section, which simply defines security services. There is a slight amendment to the definition whereby we include "Acts contrary to the economic well-being of t…

Yes, that is absolutely the case. It is open to the office of the independent examiner to review legislation, to review how it has been applied-----

-----and to recommend changes where necessary, but the Bill absolutely does not make the changes that I think it was thought it makes. That is why the amendment has been put forward, but I am satisfied that it is not required.

It is interesting that we have discussed this a number of times tonight. During the debate on Coco's Law, I remember having a similar discussion-----

-----about a particular piece and why it was not included in the legislation. When it comes to ensuring that all public bodies carry out their legal obligations in accordance with the law, this principle is so paramount that I think it goes without saying. In addition, if it is to be included in this legislation, the question is raised - if it is not included in all other legislation - as to whether that then implies that it does not apply in those instances. It is a constitutional principle that these bodies and m…

I move amendment No. 13: In page 26, lines 16 and 17, to delete “or, in the English language, as the Board of An Garda Síochána”.

I move amendment No. 14: In page 28, line 39, to delete “with” and substitute “with one or more of”.

The Deputy has outlined the position that the then Minister gave on Committee Stage. The position has not changed. My understanding is that, under the relevant provision, an appointed judge may conduct the inquiry in the manner he or she believes is proper and will have the powers, rights and privileges vested in a judge of the High Court. It is expressly stated that the judge will be a judge of a superior court, meaning the High Court, the Court of Appeal or higher. The Attorney General has advised that he believe…

This is the advice that has been given to me. An appointed judge may conduct the inquiry in the manner he or she feels is proper and he or she will have those powers. Obviously, this Bill has to go through a number of Stages, so I will commit to triple-checking. Following the discussion on Committee Stage, the advice given to me by the Attorney General is that the judge will have those powers, but I will explore this matter and ensure that it is the case.