Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish Mr. Patrick Sullivan every success in his appointment, which I support. I, too, have questions with regard to the effectiveness and workings of GSOC. I am sure the Minister and members of An Garda Síochána are sick to death of the chipping away on the part of certain people regarding the role they perform. When it comes to An Garda Síochána, we should nail our colours to the mast. Our gardaí are the people on whom we rely to protect the State and to uphold law and order. They are the people on whom we call to put themselves in harm's way. I do not propose to name individuals because everyone here will be aware of the many fine people who have lost their lives in the course of performing their duties. Not every person, in terms of his or her work, has to put himself or herself in such danger.

As the elected representative of the people of County Kerry and a legislator in this Dáil, it is important that every so often I reiterate my support for law and order, for the people who enforce the rules and, in particular, for the legislation that this House enacts. I compliment the Garda Síochána. I do not believe this is the time to raise my concerns regarding GSOC. I wish Mr. Patrick Sullivan good luck in his appointment. Taking into consideration his vast experience and the many important roles he has performed for and on behalf of this State, I have no doubt he is the right person to carry out this important job. I wish him good luck in doing so. I reiterate my support for the rank and file gardaí, their management, including the superintendent, chief superintendents and sergeants, in the performance of their day-to-day duties on behalf of all of us. It is only right and proper to say that.

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