(Limerick East) asked the Minister for Justice when a Garda review group will be formed as promised; the terms of reference of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Before setting up the Garda review group which is referred to in the Programme for Government, I intend having discussions with the Commissioner and with all the Garda representative associations and bodies. This will assist me in making up my mind as to the precise form the review group should take, the tasks which should be assigned to it and the way in which it might best go about its work. It is my intention to have these discussions in the near future.

(Limerick East): Has the Minister decided in principle to go ahead with this review group and, if so, has he a Government decision to that effect? When can we expect a public announcement together with the terms of reference?

I expect to be in a position to go to the Government for formal approval in the matter in the reasonably near future.