Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I too congratulate Deputy Griffin on the Bill and am very much of the view that it must become law. The Minister has outlined areas that could be enhanced in the drafting process. The Bill is essentially a statement that a direct attack on a garda is not the same as a direct attack on an individual citizen, given that an attack on a garda is an attack on us all, and a special law and penalty must apply when people commit such a crime intentionally and in full knowledge of what they are doing. It is very important that there be a strong statement in law and from the Oireachtas that such an intent to strike at a garda is not allowed and that the harshest penalties will be applied. When people attack members of the police force who are there to protect us all, they are attacking society.

The Minister of State's commitment to the Garda Síochána is very welcome, particularly the money that is being invested in it. The Minister of State's statement outlined that €18 million will be provided for the refurbishment of Garda stations, and it is essential. I recently visited Donnybrook Garda station in my constituency to report a minor crime, and it is badly in need of refurbishment. There is the question of how we present the Garda Síochána to the people. Some of our Garda Síochána buildings are not in a fit state and do not present the gardaí well. If we do not present the Garda Síochána well to the public, there will be less respect. It is essential that the buildings get the basic maintenance of cleaning. It is also essential that the infrastructure be put in place so gardaí can do their work appropriately.

The Minister has also committed to providing €205 million for new technology, which is essential. When I reported a minor crime, it took a long time for the garda, who had to take a written statement. Everything was done in writing. The video recording equipment was not digital but used tapes. With gardaí spending so much time working with outdated technology, it is welcome that so much money is to be invested. I hope it is spent well and quickly. There is a relationship between how we protect and how we resource the Garda. The two go hand in hand, as Deputy Griffin said in his opening statement. While we did not always have the funding we wanted, now that the economy is recovering, albeit still fragile, and people are back at work, it is great that the money is there to invest in vital areas such as the first line of defence, namely, the Garda Síochána, and helping them to do their work. It is a fantastic initiative by Deputy Griffin. It is fantastic that the Government is not opposing the Bill but supports it. We should have a positive statement from the Oireachtas that we will make it law.

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