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

An Garda Síochána is a fundamental component in the functioning of communities and our society. Thankfully, since the foundation of the State the vast majority of our population have trusted the Garda, and gardaí in turn have protected our State and its people. In the context of discussing Garda reform, we should not forget the historic role played by the Garda and the immense work done by members of the force on a daily basis as they serve our people while at the same time helping to develop communities and a sense of togetherness.

It is important that every organisation examines how best it can serve the citizen and how it can operate in an effective and successful manner. All organisations change over time, and An Garda Síochána is no different. The events that have occurred in the past number of months, including the Cooke and Guerin reports, allegations by whistleblowers and the operation of the penalty points system, have made it clear that we must examine the structure and organisation of the Garda. If public confidence in and support for the Garda is to be maintained, change is necessary. The Garda, the Government, Members of this House and the public acknowledge the need for reform. Change is needed so that the Garda can be protected and it can do its job in way that is transparent and meets the needs of society in a modern Ireland.

This Bill presents us with an opportunity to begin our discussion on change and to consider what the Government has proposed. I thank Deputy Ross for introducing the Bill to the House but it deals with only one aspect of the reforms that are required without considering the need for holistic change to be implemented in the coming months. The entire policing structure of our State must work seamlessly. We cannot permit a disjointed approach. It is imperative that reform is considered in an overall context. Introducing reform in a piecemeal manner is not an option because we must ensure that change is implemented on a comprehensive basis as part of an overall package driven by the Minister for Justice and Equality. Such a package would include consideration of the establishment of an independent Garda authority, the appointment of a Garda Commissioner through open competition, the need to take whistleblowers seriously and the role of GSOC. We must also examine the way in which gardaí are recruited and promoted, and how the chain of command can be seen to operate in an open and transparent manner. This is a timely Bill which introduces matters that are necessary for us to discuss but we must take a holistic approach rather than act in a piecemeal manner.

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