Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is encouraging. Sometimes, where there is clear legislation, the gardaí are given a clear framework. Gardaí, particularly in rural areas, pride themselves on the relationship they have with local communities, and it has been strong down the years.

I did not realise the issue arose with local organisations but since I raised it, many other organisations have come forward and stated that they have endured this over recent years and they are very unhappy about it. In communities that have been struggling over recent years with the recession, both the gardaí and these community organisations do not want it. If truth be told, I do not think the Minister would want it either. I ask the Minister to engage with her departmental colleagues and the Garda Commissioner to see whether it would be better to give clear direction in the legislation through a simple amendment. That would give them a clear framework in which to engage.

It would be a good gesture from the Garda for it to work in partnership at festival time. These festivals involve large numbers of volunteers. If one has all these volunteers and the Garda given a professional framework, that would be much better for everybody involved. I ask the Minister to amend the legislation.

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