Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak to the motion and compliment our justice spokesman, Deputy Flanagan, on tabling it. The three simple points made in it are a concise to do list, unlike the Government's amendment. The third point deals with community policing, an issue on which I spoke briefly yesterday when the Minister agreed that one of the first things to do was to establish a clearer definition of the role of community gardaí to distinguish them from gardaí in any other part of the force. Recognition is a key aspect of the community garda's productive and meaningful role in society. We must first find a definition, then give longer assignments in order that such gardaí have stability in their job. To achieve this, the role of community gardaí must be recognised as worthwhile to their career paths. Some see them as second rate, or like the reserve force. Those who have a vocation for this role, as people do for medicine or teaching, should believe their career can progress through being community gardaí.

There has been a problem for community gardaí in rural society which we in County Wicklow have tried to address by entitling them to receive planning permission or to live in a community. It is important that they live in a community and people know the face of the person they need to approach, as they know politicians. The community garda's role is one of prevention rather than intervention. They are seen to be actively involved in communities, some of the social improvement programmes and youth clubs.

I welcome the development of joint policing committees in the past 18 months because that principle establishes a link between public representatives, community representatives and the Garda. It is the duty of community gardaí to carry out whatever priorities the local authority joint policing force lays down and produce some form of tangible report on their progress.

We all have a vision of what we would like for our communities but if we do not act now, we can predict where we will go. There used to be bumper stickers in rural communities stating "crime doesn't pay — neither does farming". I do not know about either but ten or 12 years ago when the Criminal Assets Bureau was established, following the tragic murder of Veronica Guerin, it was considered criminals would not get away. We have seen Paul Williams's recent television programmes on the subject. Unfortunately, it seems crime does pay again. People go through the revolving door; they are in prison, come out and commit crime while on remand. They have no respect for the law.

In County Wicklow we have an opportunity as a pilot scheme area because our division is being reformed. It was one of four divisions but now we will have one of our own and a blank page on which to work.

The Fine Gael motion is focused on three points. The Government amendment opens with an expression of horror which we all share and sympathy for the victims of recent murders but goes on to "welcome", "note", "endorse", "acknowledge", "look forward to" and "support" the work done. This is aspirational waffle. The Government should support the focused motion.

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