Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On forthcoming legislation, I have never seen such a crisis in morale among An Garda Síochána in my political life as I see now. This is very serious, and we are at a tipping point. It is not all down to Croke Park II, although that has been a contributing and exacerbating factor. Gardaí feel bad about that agreement and feel it does not respect the role they play on a 24-7 basis in protecting citizens. They feel they are under-resourced and under-equipped. They only held observer status with regard to the agreement anyway. This is a serious issue that the Government needs to examine. The relationship between the Minister and the Garda is in an unhealthy state. An unhealthy tension exists and gardaí feel a lack of respect.

The legislation I want to ask about is the Garda Síochána (compensation for malicious injuries) Bill. When can we expect that legislation? I would like another opportunity to raise this issue, because it is central to democracy and to how society is organised.

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