Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

We must wrap up. I thank the representatives from the Garda Representative Association and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors for a very informative and helpful set of contributions to us as a committee. We ended on an important point. This committee has a view of the entire criminal justice system from start to finish, but there is not a single item that we discuss that does not reference the need for an increase in the numbers of gardaí and an increase, in particular, in the number of gardaí within and seen within our communities. Over the past two weeks, we have had something almost like parallel universes in terms of what Garda management is saying is the reality versus what the representatives of the front-line members of An Garda Síochána are saying. In tandem, we as elected representatives have the realities we hear every day from the people we represent. This committee will have a job of work in terms of compiling a report as a result of hearings last week and this week, with a set of recommendations. I think those recommendations, without pre-empting the committee, will be forceful in informing Government of what needs to happen and the fact that substantive and real changes are required. We all hope that the next number of months will see a sea change in how all of these things are addressed. I have a fear for the prediction of both organisations that, to paraphrase it, under the current trajectory, we will not reach the recruitment targets that have been set. That is an incredibly worrying matter of fact, as it has been conveyed to us.

I thank all our guests. I propose we publish the opening statements from the meeting today on the committee’s website. Is that agreed? Agreed. We will move into private session.