On the Garda Síochána (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2014, it has been reported today that the Government is advertising the position of chairman-designate of the proposed new policing authority. The new chief commissioner-designate of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, Ms Emily Logan, appeared yesterday before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. She made clear the very rigorous process of public appointment independence under which she was appointed. Will the same process applied to the chairman-designate of the policing authority to ensure that, from the outset, it is clearly independent of Government in its responsibilities?

That is not strictly in order. I will, however, be generous and allow an answer, if one is available.

I thank the Ceann Comhairle.

As the Deputy is aware, the policing authority legislation is something the Labour Party in particular has pioneered in this jurisdiction and we have taken on board a lot of valuable experience in respect of the Northern experience. This is being prioritised and there is an agreement in place that this legislation will come before the Dáil before the end of this year. A lot of work is being done on this and I am pleased to note that good progress is being made and this will provide for vigorous structures. I cannot provide the detail but I expect this to be introduced before the end of the year.

The question was not answered in respect of the chairman-designate and whether the process will be fully independent. It is not a point about the Government but about the public appointments process.

I do not have the detailed legislation before me but-----

That is a separate issue.

----- as for the chairman of such a body, or rather, the chairperson of such a body as one should not assume it is a chairman, I expect the appointment of someone of significant calibre, as with the appointment of Ms Logan to her new role.