Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Real plans but not real houses.

In respect of An Garda Síochána, in recent weeks the public has been informed of the rampant financial mismanagement in Templemore, the potential bugging of the political opponent of a Minister, highly unusual leasing arrangements between the OPW and a Garda-owned golf club, and the widespread distribution of a video of a young woman in a distressed state by a serving garda, apparently for amusement. These are only a fraction of the scandals that have enveloped the force under the current Government, Commissioner and Minister. The scale of the maladministration, incompetence and potential corruption that have come to light is staggering. It is obvious why public confidence in the force is in tatters but it is shocking that those in authority seem completely oblivious to this. Instead, the Taoiseach and his Government colleagues attack anyone who attempts to bring these failures to light.

Regardless of whether the Commissioner was informed of the issues in Templemore in a two-hour briefing or a quick chat over tea, her responsibility under the Garda Síochána Act is abundantly clear. It beggars belief to claim that informing the Minister of these issues was a matter of judgment. The Commissioner's failure to notify the Minister for 15 months was a complete dereliction of statutory responsibility to keep the Minister fully informed of any significant developments that might reasonably be expected to adversely affect public confidence in the Garda Síochána, as stated in the Act. The fact that the Tánaiste appears to believe this is a political attack on her and that raising these issues is to increase the pressure on her as Minister, as she said, is the height of arrogance. It speaks to a Minister well aware that the removal of the previous Garda Commissioner set in motion the chain of events that led to the end of her predecessor's time in ministerial office. It is looking very much as if history is going to repeat itself.

This, however, is not about one justice Minister or one Commissioner; it is about systemic dysfunctionality deeply rooted in one of the most vital organs of the State. No one here is looking for a head on a plate for the sake of it; what we want is real reform. It needs to happen now, however, and not after a commission of inquiry or another review.

There was a time, at the time of the setting up of the Charleton inquiry, when it would have been sufficient for the Commissioner to step aside without prejudice. That time is gone, however. What is desperately needed now is a change in culture that can come about only if the Commissioner and the senior management team are changed. That is what is required. Can the Taoiseach explain why he will not join all Members on this side of the House who have come to the conclusion that we cannot continue under the present regime with a Commissioner and a senior management team who do not understand the principles involved in accountability and being answerable to the public?

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