Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I believe change is underway and there are many signs of change in regard to what the Deputy calls de-politicisation, whether in regard to the issue of the independent people who are now involved in the promotions issue, for example, the setting up of the Garda authority and the many other changes that are underway.

I would make the point that we are dealing here with how to strengthen GSOC but there is a particular lens that people have on the Garda Síochána. Clearly, legitimate criticism and discussion, and highlighting the areas that need to improve, are very important. However, I would make the point to Deputy Mac Lochlainn, who made a number of comments in regard to the security of the State, that it is not so long ago that the Garda was clearly in the front-line in defending the peace and security on this island, and played a very strong role in that regard which we should not forget. Neither should we forget the role the Department of Justice and Equality played in regard to preserving the peace and security on this island when it was threatened by various forces over a long period.

It is very important that we bring that lens to bear as well and not cast the entire membership of An Garda Síochána as a body which does not give professional service. Clearly, there are many members of An Garda Síochána who give professional service. There are many members who work very closely in regard to protecting communities, detecting crime and securing the peace, which is ongoing work.

Let us not forget that An Garda Síochána is working on the problem of those subversives who still threaten peace in this country. It is also involved in the fight against international terrorism and cyber crime and is working on the issue of sophisticated criminal gangs and trying to solve murders and do all of its other work. It is important to keep that perspective in mind as we discuss these issues here.

I cannot accept the amendment, not because of an arrogant approach to this, but because I believe it is the obligation and responsibility of the Government to have responsibility for the security of the State.

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