Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I know it can be difficult for the witnesses when we are running in and out, but I hope the witnesses believe me when I say their submissions are very important. I assure them that we analyse what they say and weigh up all the points made. The report will be the main body of work for this committee going forward.

I found it striking that there was a real difference in the vision outlined by Dr. Connolly and the reality of the interactions. The vision he spoke of is a good way to start. I see merit in what he is saying. The idea of having a dedicated 10% does not work. We should understand that policing is there to protect and serve the community in all of its aspects. We need to re-emphasise that. I was struck by what Dr. Connolly said when he suggested that it should not be about arrest and prosecution but rather about considering how a community is best served. There is a body of work in that. What do the witnesses think about that? They dealt briefly with restorative justice, but mediation and other areas could be looked at. How can those options be explored further?

Inadequate multi-agency interaction is key. It came up when we discussed the section 29 issue. An Garda Síochána is called at night to take kids into care. Generally speaking, the experience is that An Garda Síochána is very good to deal with, but it does not have the support it needs from other agencies, especially Tusla. Tusla has been particularly poor in terms of a lack of liaison with schools and in identifying problematic behaviour. Will the witnesses discuss that further? When a child gets into trouble, the parents are involved, but the school should be involved much more than it is. Probation officers and Tusla can also get involved, meaning that the situation becomes very messy. Do the witnesses have any views as to how that might be better co-ordinated?

In terms of specific communities, especially minority communities and people who were not born in Ireland in particular, will the witnesses tell us how the issues of language, hate crime and racism are dealt with?

If each group present here could change one thing to improve the area of community policing, what would it be? That question is addressed especially to Muintir na Tíre.

I am sorry for rushing. The contributions made by the witnesses have been very thought provoking. It is good to think about where we are and what the vision is. The transition is part of a bigger project we are involved in. We must reinvent what we mean by policing. I will be paying attention to the replies.