Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

Táim an-bhuíoch den Leas-Cheann Comhairle as ucht seans a thabhairt dom labhairt ar Bhille an Gharda Síochána 2005 agus an Private Members' motion anocht.

We all agree that Garda reform has never been more timely in view of the recent revelations in the Morris tribunal report. Sensible people are very much aware that this is outrageous behaviour carried out by a small minority in the Garda who have brought into question the credibility and integrity of the force. We must recognise the loyal and dedicated service of the majority of the 12,000 members of the Garda Síochána and commend them on their work, which is often done under cover, is not recognised but is very effective throughout the country from rural villages to large provincial towns and cities.

In supporting the Government amendment I welcome the fact that the Garda Commissioner will have more heightened responsibility in reporting to the Minister and to Government. I have stated that view on the record as one who worked on the Barron inquiry along with my colleagues, Deputies Seán Ardagh, Charlie O'Connor and Peter Power. We know how sadly lacking that relationship was at the time but that was the system in place 30 years ago when the Minister and the Garda Commissioner worked largely independently of one another. As a result, inquiries were wound up early and we see the effect of that today, with people still seeking the truth 30 years on. I welcome the fact that the Garda Commissioner will have greater accountability and a better relationship with the Minister and the Government.

I welcome also the fact that the Garda Commissioner will be in a position to dismiss members whom he believes do not live up to their responsibilities and the integrity of the Garda Síochána. I would recommend, however, that it should happen only when the full facts are made known to him or her at the time. The evidence must be in abundance because I am aware of cases where members have been called into question, often with evidence pending in regard to the garda's position. That leaves many families traumatised until that evidence is forthcoming. I ask that full evidence be made available to the Garda Commissioner before he can make such a recommendation.

I welcome the fact that there will be greater transparency in the amendments to the Bill regarding the promotion of every rank within the Garda Síochána. Questions have been asked previously about the criteria used in regard to promotion within the ranks, which has not always been clear, but the fact that there will be a largely independent board made up of people who are not members of the Garda Síochána who will act and work effectively on the promotions board must be a welcome development in the Bill.

We welcome also the professional standards that will be required. Such standards have always been required but they will be clearly required in this Bill which is revolutionary legislation that has never been more timely in view of the recent revelations.

I welcome also the recent appointment of the chairperson to the ombudsman commission. It is only right that a visible figurehead be seen to lead the commission. It is welcome also that the ombudsman commission will be in place.

I was encouraged by the fact that the Minister responded to my representations on behalf of the Garda force which sought to have provision made within what we now know as the whistleblower's charter, whereby members of the Garda force would be able to proceed through a particular process to make complaints about colleagues who may experience bullying, be subject to harassment or whatever. I understand from my negotiations with the Garda Representative Association that the process has not been very effective to date but with the whistleblower's charter in place, the situation will become much more transparent. People can believe they will be aided if they experience bullying and harassment, something we cannot tolerate.

On the joint policing committees, as a committee we worked for more than 24 hours on the amendments to the Garda Síochána Bill. We welcome the fact that local authorities will have a greater say in the community policing of their areas. There is no doubt that the pooling of resources and experience will be an enhancement to the working practices of the Garda Síochána, which we welcome. We must also recognise that in many provincial towns, including Nenagh and Thurles, local gardaí were already working with local authorities before this legislation was put in place. It has been an effective measure for our towns. We welcome the fact this will now be given a statutory basis as the committee has worked diligently towards this achievement.

Despite all the difficulties of recent times in regard to an Garda Síochána, I welcome that approximately 3,000 applicants have made known their interest in positions in an Garda Síochána following recent advertisements. Many were not successful in their applications but, nevertheless, they will have the opportunity again. It is a point of encouragement in these dark days when the members of an Garda Síochána have gone through many difficulties. We need them. We need to empower them all the more to enable them to carry out their duties. We as legislators are in a position to empower them as never before so their work will be more transparent and more accountable to the public.

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