Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to conclude by thanking the Garda Commissioner. I see it more as a witch hunt which has not drawn to a conclusion. A person would be acquitted quicker for murder than for carrying out their duties as a garda. Just move it on. If they have done something wrong, dismiss them and if they have not, let them return to the force. It does not make any sense that something would be dragged on for such a protracted period. Ten years is far too long and four years is far too long. It is all wrong and it would make such a difference in terms of day-to-day policing. I cannot fathom it at a time when numbers are so critically low. On the publicjobs.ietoday there is no mechanism for someone to apply to get into the Garda Reserve. Senator McDowell made the point that it makes no sense at a time when numbers are below critical levels. I just checked it ten minutes ago to double check it. There is no portal. Garda.ieadvises people to go to publicjobs.ie. People who do so will see administrative roles. However, there is nothing there regarding the Garda Reserve. Surely at a time of crisis, when the public is outraged, recruitment could be better than ever and numbers could be bolstered and visibility could be bolstered.