Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The many things I outlined in my initial response, including the new laws that have been put in place, the new policies and the new code of conduct to ensure that we hold An Garda Síochána to the highest standards, all acknowledge that work needed to be done in this regard. I must again stress that we have a robust system in place now. Those who are wrongly accused suffered greatly. Equally, victims were involved here and families who, unfortunately, did not get justice, and they continue to suffer too. We must be conscious of that aspect as well. Many things have happened in recent times. I again stress that we have had court proceedings, pardons, State apologies and compensation schemes. Garda actions are also ongoing concerning some of those cases raised in the programme. In saying all that, I do not think that a public inquiry is going to change this. I am not sure if it would bring the justice that some of the families are seeking and that they would like to get. To respond to the larger question, much work has been done to ensure that there is confidence in An Garda Síochána and that the members of the force uphold the highest standards.

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