Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. He mentioned that we in the Oireachtas are good at creating laws, but we have to take into account that those laws have to be implemented and that every law we pass creates new requirements and burdens on the Garda. Where possible, we should remove some of the laws that are on the Statute Book. He made the point that any recruitment campaign we run should be vibrant. Such campaigns should be competitive with other positions for which people might apply. The State, although perhaps not the Garda, can certainly be accused of having a more functional style of communicating with the public than a commercial entity would have.

The Deputy made three specific proposals, which are good to hear. First, he suggested that the retirement age be increased to over 60. Obviously, that would take industrial relations and negotiations to achieve. Second, he proposed that we recruit from the Garda Reserve and that we should have a more vibrant campaign. He also suggested that the fitness test and whether it is preventing people from entering the Garda be considered.

I have to make the point that I, as much as anybody else, am horrified and shocked to see videos of gardaí, including female gardaí, being beaten in the street. I would hate to see that repeated. I am sure many actions will be taken to protect those who are tasked with protecting us, and that such events will not happen again.

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