Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

I support the motion that condemns all unlawful killings and the criminal disregard for human life these demonstrate. I express sympathy to the families of all victims of such killings. I strongly support the work of the Garda Síochána and its specialist units, such as the organised crime unit, in its determined fight against gangland crime. I note the significant success of the Garda Síochána.

I have unequivocal and 100% support for the Garda Síochána at every level, on behalf of those who elected me in Tipperary South, for the work it does to combat all kinds of crime. The motion refers to a particularly heinous crime but from a community relations point of view, we must ensure that crime is dealt with from the most minor offence up. We must invest more in community gardaí because their work has paid off. They operate in Tipperary and their work has paid dividends because of the interaction with the community and the fact that they are regaining the respect for the Garda Síochána that should and must exist. I compliment the Garda Síochána on working closely with Muintir na Tíre and the national community alert organisations, of which I am a board member. By doing this, the Garda Síochána fosters a great degree of support from the public for its actions and hard work, which is often covert. No police force in any part of the world can work without the strong support of the public. Community alert organisations and neighbourhood watch groups working in conjunction with the Garda Síochána and Muintir na Tíre do an excellent job and foster this through school visits, Christmas card competitions, regional organisers and interaction with superintendents and sergeants. I compliment the groups on this aspect, which is vital. The Garda Síochána has an excellent detection rate. Let nobody say otherwise. It works tirelessly. All of kinds of crime are dealt with by the Garda Síochána, including more serious crime.

However, this work is sometimes without much success at court level because the Courts Service is in abysmal shape. I do not refer to the decisions but the delays in getting to court for the Garda Síochána. How frustrating the revolving door system must be for the Garda Síochána. How frustrating it must be when they bring in those who are charged to get hearings in court. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Some time ago I was before the courts and I would have waited ten years but for the fact I pushed and pushed to get a special sitting of the Circuit Court. Justice delayed is justice denied. Gardaí may have moved on, been transferred or may have retired before cases are resolved. People are entitled to have their day in court so that they can be cleared of the suspected activities and have their good name restored or dealt with fairly by the court system. It must be frustrating for the Garda Síochána when they bring in people charged with crimes. They must prove this without a shadow of a doubt so they must be supported. We must have modern day respect and understanding for the courts system. It must be shaken up and the Judiciary needs refresher courses. The Courts Service systems must be examined so that it can provide support to the Garda Síochána when the latter has completed its detection of cases. In this way cases can be taken to court sooner rather than later and justice can be done.

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