Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I might raise a few issues. Obviously, this is a discussion on policing. One criticism made in some quarters is that gardaí were not more forceful in their engagement with rioters on the streets. I have lived in different cities in Europe and I have seen forceful engagement of riot police with people in a public order scenario. I do not want to see that here. I do not want to see baton charges or water cannon. It may well be that they are necessary evils. One thing that we talked about a lot during the pandemic was policing by consent. I think the Taoiseach used that term. One thing that is unique about An Garda Síochána relative to other European police forces is how it enjoys very good relationships with the community. It is unarmed, which is a tremendously important aspect of policing in Ireland and policing by consent.

How does the Minister see policing developing in the coming years? Does she think we will see more heavy-handed interventions? I say that without any criticism. Are gardaí going to be wading into crowds if this happens again? Is there a uniquely Irish approach that we can implement that both manages a public a disorder situation but also maintains the important relationship gardaí have with the public? I heard what the Minister said about Garda discretion, which is a very important element of Garda powers. They can exercise their discretion. Many people will have benefited from a garda realising that the right answer is not to issue the ticket or not to arrest the person. I have seen that, both in my practice and in my personal life. I absolutely support the notion that gardaí would be able to exercise that discretion. How does the Minister see the future of policing, given that in the 100-year history of An Garda Síochána, we have never seen anything like the pressure it came under in Dublin two weeks ago?