Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister dealt fairly with the issue in her response to the Bill as put before the House. I went through the Bill, which left me perplexed, and then I had to listen to Deputy Ross outline his basis for the Bill. I am very surprised that a parliamentarian with the experience and background of Deputy Ross would introduce a Bill like this now. The Bill sets out a process for appointing a Garda Commissioner that would turn into a political circus. An individual would partake in an open competition - which sounds good - with a board making recommendations before the process comes for debate here. Would this really be about the suitability of the person or would it be another case of politicising a very important position of Garda Commissioner, the top job for law and order in this country? Who in a right mind would put his or her name forward for a character assassination in here, as that is all that happens? It is a matter of opinion and somebody will have dug up an issue for everybody.

Deputy Ross spoke about setting up another anonymous body, which seems accountable to nobody. At least politicians are accountable and although we are not perfect, we are a good reflection of the public at all levels of society. Deputy Ross speaks of setting up an anonymous body that is not accountable but the buck should stop with politicians rather than with another layer of bureaucracy or a committee; such bodies usually end up as a buffer for politicians to hid behind. Let us be accountable and make decisions, as that is what government is about.

The Bill completely ignores the examination and reform being considered or undertaken by the Minister. Surely it should have recognised the planned new Garda authority and the imminent discussions with key stakeholders on their views of how the body should look and the best way forward for Garda reform. Why has this legislation been tabled? The issue is too easy and it relates to the Garda. It is very easy to give an impression of championing something when in reality nothing is being done. We must call a spade a spade with the politicisation of policing matters.

The Cooke report has detailed what happened with the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, indicating that fears it was bugged were unsubstantiated. Politicians jumped up and down without evidence, praying and crossing their fingers that GSOC was bugged by the Garda, which would lead to a field day. Politicians threw accusations and vilified the then Minister for Justice and Equality and the former Garda Commissioner. Where is all the great evidence now? That was shocking conduct. I commend the Minister in her efforts to address these problems but there is a responsible way to do this, as opposed to grandstanding and posturing. Too much of that goes on here.

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