asked the Minister for Justice if he will state why, for the second time, he has gone outside the ranks of the Garda Síochána to fill the post of Commissioner.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Garda Commissioner.
Mr. Boland
The answer to the Deputy's question is that the Government considered that the public interest would be better served by the appointment that has been made than by any other appointment.
Did the Minister and the Government not consider that they had a suitable appointee within the ranks of the force?
Mr. Boland
There is no reflection whatever on those who are in the force.
Indeed there is and it cannot be taken as otherwise.
Has the Minister given any consideration to what is wrong with the Garda force that, for the second time and over a long period, they cannot find an officer in the force to appoint as the Chief Commissioner?
Mr. Boland
We appointed the best man we could find for the post.
What is wrong with Garda organisation, training and administration that, in order to find the best man to administer the force, the Minister has to go outside the force for the second time?
Why was the name "Commissioner" adopted?
Are we to understand that the adoption of the name "Commissioner" for the Garda implies that the Commissioner has to come from outside the ranks of the force?
Mr. Boland
Not necessarily. He can come from inside or outside.
He was not on the inside.
Will the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice settle this up between them?
Talk on the same line.
The Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice might now adjourn and have a little chat.
He had no Fine Gael affiliations.
That is so.
That is always perfectly obvious. I am glad Deputy Davern has let the cat out of the bag for the second time.
I want to congratulate Deputy Davern on being a Daniel come to Judgment.
The Opposition should not have raised this question.