Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the appointment of Deputy Frances Fitzgerald as Minister for Justice and Equality. I had the pleasure of serving with her in Seanad Éireann and of working with her as Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children. I know she will bring to this brief a determination, compassion and sense of right. I look forward to working with her as Minister with responsibility for equality in the context of progressing the family relations Bill and the proposed referendum on marriage equality.

The Acting Chairman, Deputy Byrne, Deputy Jonathan O'Brien and I are all very much immersed in our communities. One of the most fundamental parts of a community is the relationship between it and An Garda Síochána. I have the pleasure of being a member of the Cork City Joint Policing Committee, Cork County Joint Policing Committee and the Passage West Joint Policing Committee. I also attend many community fora. At all times members of An Garda Síochána who attend these fora, from the rank of garda to chief superintendent, are committed, dedicated police officers whose only motivation is to do their jobs well, serve the people of their communities and ensure they can live in a crime and hassle free community.

It is extraordinary that we are again today discussing matters pertaining to An Garda Síochána. I commend Mr. Guerin on the publication of his 300 plus page report. I must confess I have not read all of it but I have read a lot of it. I found some of the language therein difficult to understand and had to read it again. As stated by the Minister previously, the report is deeply disturbing. There can be no ambiguity surrounding the men and women of An Garda Síochána. I pay tribute at this juncture in my remarks to the men and women of An Garda Síochána who do tremendous good and put their lives at risk every day.

It should not be forgotten that only a few short years ago particular Members of this House were part of an organisation which threatened to undermine An Garda Síochána and the State. I am not in this regard speaking about Deputy Jonathan O'Brien although I am sure he knows about whom I am speaking.

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