Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As a native of Bailieborough, it is with a heavy heart that I make my contribution on the publication of the O'Higgins report on the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division. It is important to note at the outset that there are many good gardaí in the State who do their job with the utmost professionalism, honesty and integrity but my sympathy goes to the victims who have been let down by the State. We must be clear that there is an urgent need to implement the recommendations of the report. We cannot change what has happened but we must learn from it.

We must create an environment for the public and the Garda so that trust is at the core of every encounter between the citizens of the island and the keepers of the State. Victims must always be at the heart of the Garda service and the ongoing reform of the force with practical and cultural change embraced to restore the confidence and trust of the public.

The O'Higgins report states there is a perception that the gardaí in Bailieborough were working under a cloud for many years and the commission considers it of utmost importance that the end of the inquiry would herald the beginning of a new era for the gardaí there. This is critical to the community in Bailieborough and the force itself. The commission considers that given the unique position of Bailieborough, even more priority should be given to the construction of a new Garda station there. Such a move would be much more important than a symbolic gesture. It would boost morale and herald a new era for the provision of the service to the community by the Garda in the area. The report states:

The Garda station in Bailieboro is not fit for purpose. The commission is aware that in An Garda Síochána Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021, announced by the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works on 21 October 2015, the building of a new Garda station is planned and the commission welcomes this.

I hope the closing of this inquiry will enable the Garda in the area to have a fresh start, putting the subject matter of the inquiry behind them, learning lessons where appropriate and proceeding to discharge faithfully the duties of a member of An Garda Síochána with fairness, integrity, regard for human rights, diligence, impartiality and upholding the Constitution and the law, according equal respect to all people.

It is my understanding that the Office of Public Works has located a new site for a Garda station in Bailieborough and I urge the Minister and the office to ensure it is constructed as soon as possible, taking cognisance of the ever demanding needs of the force. The current station is a listed building and, as I stated, it is not fit for purpose. It is therefore imperative that a new station can equip the Garda with facilities, parking and the fresh start so badly needed.

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