Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

While some parts of the Bill are welcome, I question some parts of it. In the past few years public confidence has been eroded in certain procedures in An Garda Síochána. We need a new vision and a new way forward to bring the people back to recognising the great work 99.9% of the members of An Garda Síochána do. It is grand bringing forward Bills in the Dáil, but the reality is that in rural parts of Ireland Garda stations have been closed. Several gardaí have contacted me and told me that while there may be gardaí in a station, the sad reality is that they do not have vehicles to travel the highways and byways. This problem has become worse and in towns such as Carrick-on-Shannon gardaí are down to using two vehicles. I have mentioned how we can talk about the law all we want but without the facilities and vehicles required to tackle crime, there is no point talking about it.

I welcome what GSOC is doing and the new Commissioner whom I wish the best of luck. I thought someone from outside would have brought more confidence to people looking in and gardaí, but now that the Commissioner is in place, we wish her the best of luck.

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