James Breen (Clare, Independent)

I welcome the new reforms and structure that have been put in place in this Bill. I particularly welcome the new fully independent Garda ombudsman commission, which will operate in favour of the public and the Garda Síochána. This new mechanism is urgently needed to ensure honesty and to highlight any complaints against members of the Garda Síochána. There should be strong emphasis on the need for a fair and effective complaints system to ensure that the police are held accountable if they infringe the rights of citizens. This system must guarantee a fair hearing for the complainant and the accused officer and must provide a firm basis for public confidence in the police force.

While the Bill offers some welcome reforms, I hope it offers fully effective protection for civil liberties. There have been public complaints about a number of incidents involving the Garda Síochána in recent times. A genuinely independent investigator will, I hope, provide us with the adequate safeguards and restore the shaky confidence of the public.

The level of policing is a vital concern to us all. I call on the Minister to put in place the 2,000 extra gardaí promised in the last election. If there was an increased number of gardaí, as promised, then we could be assured of the best police service and Irish towns would not suffer from so much vandalism. The Garda is doing all it can to police our streets, but there are simply not enough gardaí on the beat at night. The Government is to blame for this. More gardaí are needed on the streets and more action needs to be taken against those who perpetrate crime on businesses and elderly people. More resources should be given to gardaí to combat the violence they face. They need assistance to deal with issues like running battles, assault and abuse, as they try to do their duty and restore the peace. Cases remain unreported and the Garda Síochána is unable to justify the urgent resources needed to reduce crime.

In my own town of Ennis, the Garda works closely with the president of the chamber of commerce. A joint working accord has been formed to deal with the increased levels of petty crime, harassment and begging which affect businesses, residences and visitors. This highlights the urgent need for prudent measures for more gardaí on the streets in the towns and villages in County Clare. We need more gardaí to target violence, drugs and crime so that public trust and confidence can be restored. Justice is here to protect citizens in their homes, businesses and communities. If the Government does not ensure justice by putting its promises into action, to whom can the people turn for a safe society? I call on the Minister to address this situation and I demand the 2,000 gardaí that have been promised. The people are entitled to safety.

I place on record my appreciation for the Garda and the work it carries out, often with limited resources. I also declare my thanks and appreciation to a superintendent in Clare who is soon to retire. Seán Corcoran was an ambassador when he went abroad with the Garda Síochána. He was held in high esteem throughout County Clare and among gardaí in general. The people of Clare and Ireland are thankful to this garda for a job well done.

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