Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Two gardaí in the State - very courageous men - came across issues of serious concern and investigated the matter further. They brought these issues of concern to Garda superiors and hit a wall, as there was no formal investigation. In exasperation and frustration, they brought those concerns to the public domain. What has happened to them since? Our economy and the State was brought close to bankruptcy because too many people did not blow the whistle and shout "stop". Transparency International Ireland last night put out a statement detailing the treatment of these whistleblowers, who are courageous men who have been isolated and put aside. One of them had to leave the force because of these allegations.

As the Tánaiste knows, Garda morale is on the floor. Some 140 Garda stations have closed in recent times and thousands of gardaí have retired and not been replaced. Hundreds of Garda vehicles have been removed. For the first time in the 35-year history of the Garda Representative Association, GRA, it did not invite the Minister for Justice and Equality to its conference. That is the environment we are in. Nevertheless, when two gardaí who love what they do and who believe in fairness, justice and consistency of the law step up to the plate and raise issues of concern, they are brushed aside, criticised and isolated.

What will the Government do to reassure the men and women listening today and over recent days who are working in the public and private sector and who are considering speaking out about concerns they have? What will it do to reassure them that they will not be treated the same way as the two Garda whistleblowers have been treated in such a shameful affair?

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