The Government was criticised for failing to publish the report of the strategic management initiative on the Garda. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said the report had been received by the former Taoiseach (Mr John Bruton) on June 11th. It would be submitted to the Government shortly and published after it was considered.

Ms Liz McManus (DL, Wicklow) said the public would find it extraordinary that the Government in its fifth month had sat on the report despite its commitment before it came into office to fight crime.

Mr Ahern said it was an important report and in view of its scale and complexity he believed he had an obligation to give it detailed consideration.