Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am speaking about connectivity. The closure of Garda stations has led to a lack of connectivity between senior gardaí and gardaí on the beat, particularly in regard to rural crime. We were told that Garda vans would be made available to our communities. We welcomed that in a limited way because we thought it might compensate for the loss of rural Garda stations. Recently, however, the Minister stated in a reply to a parliamentary question that the proposal had been scrapped. I did not believe it would ever happen and unfortunately I was proven correct.

It is now being suggested that members of An Garda Síochána might make use of rural post offices. I would thank the Minister if this initiative is implemented, as would the people of Ireland. The excellent Bill before us would work in conjunction with such an initiative to solve crime. At the end of the day it is all about the massive fight of right against wrong. I will support the Minister in any initiative he might take on these people but I will not pussy-foot about if I think he is doing something wrong. Nobody will take his work ethic away from him. Everybody knows about his work ethic. I like people who genuinely work and I will fully support him because he is giving it 120% and more.

It is important that the Garda co-operates with police forces in other jurisdictions given what can happen in regard to the abduction of children when relationships break down. Such problems arise in Ireland on a monthly basis. It is important that the Bill is implemented as a matter of urgency because it might help to solve these problems. A number of people have disappeared over the past several years and their families live with the constant torture of not knowing what happened to them. It is awful to think of a person being killed but at least one knows that has happened. However, if a person disappears without account it creates a horror and anguish that haunts relatives every day of the week. Anything in this Bill that might help in cases of disappeared persons must be welcomed.

I thank the Minister and his officials for their work. I might be critical at times but my criticism is measured. In regard to the issues we fought over in the past, unfortunately I have been proved right and the Minister wrong.

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