Fiona O'Malley (Dún Laoghaire, Progressive Democrats)

Notwithstanding the length of this Private Members' motion, two critical issues are involved. The first involves recognition of the widespread and justified public disquiet over the findings of the Morris tribunal. The second involves the question of whether an independent commission is required.

While I concur on the first issue, I find the second unnecessary. We do not need an independent commission, as proposed by the Labour Party motion, because that would take 18 months. This would consist of a finite period, and when concluded, the commission would report. We require to investigate how the Garda Síochána operates at present. Problems have been identified and we do not solely need investigations at this time but on an ongoing basis.

For that reason, I support the proposal put forward by the Minister with regard to the inspectorate. It would provide for the necessary appraisal of ongoing operations of the Garda and would be critical because there is nothing worse than investigating a matter at a certain time. Time has moved on. If the Labour Party had its way, 18 months would pass before we had a debate on the inspectorate's report, and what would obtain at the end of the process? We would not have an improved police service.

I join with Deputy Sexton in welcoming the fact that Deputy Costello and his party broadly support this Bill. It is important that Members co-operate to draw up a good Garda Bill which has cross-party support. Governments may come and go but the Garda Síochána will exist forever. For many years, it served this country well. However, as the Morris report noted, problems exist in certain areas. It is time that we reformed the Garda's operations. Accountability was not foremost in former ways of organising the force.

The security risk from violence in Northern Ireland which was suffered by this State for 30 years has been overlooked. Some commentators referred to this matter. It had an impact on policing throughout the country and is maybe one of the reasons for the way in which policing in Donegal evolved. We need to be realistic. The State was under threat, with the result that procedures may not have been conducted by the book. Practices developed and evolved. Now that peace exists, we need to explore the Garda in terms of its structure and how it may be made accountable.

Last week, I heard the Minister's response to the Morris report. I concur with him that accountability must always remain with the Minister. He or she must be politically accountable to the House and to citizens. We cannot let that go. We need to professionalise the Garda. Since taking the justice brief, the Minister held to the theme that reform is necessary. However, this process was not conducted quickly. He consulted the public. This is the Bill that is drawn up. He indicated he would listen to what the Morris tribunal found and I commend the work he has done. It is hoped this is the first step in restoring faith in the police service, which needs to be done.

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