Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Again, I believe this amendment is overly prescriptive. We are trying to ensure there is a particular ability for the Garda Commissioner to dismiss somebody below the rank of chief superintendent for reasons of public confidence. The section is sufficient to cover the broad headings for any consideration. There would obviously still have to be a disciplinary process but by reason of a member's conduct, the section outlines that this would include any act or omission. It is, therefore, broad enough to cover anything. Obviously, there would have to be a particular process. The amendment is overly prescriptive. There is no clear rationale as to why we would include public safety when obviously the role of An Garda Síochána is to keep people safe. Therefore, if a member engages in any type of an act or omission that might jeopardise public safety, that would fall under this particular area. As I said, there would still have to be a disciplinary process. This is an enabling section to allow the Garda Commissioner to start that process.