Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy referred to the Tánaiste. What he said, very clearly, when answering a direct question, was that it was a matter for the Garda Commissioner, which it is. He said he would consider any request from the Garda Commissioner. I believe the strength of the Garda Síochána has been through policing by consent. It is an unarmed police force. We have heard many times in this centenary year that the Garda ethos is based not on force of arms but on the relationship with the community. Of course we all want to keep our streets safe. We want to provide the Garda with the resources to do that but crime is changing all the time and we have to embrace new technology and ensure our gardaí have the most up-to-date technology they need to fight crime. That includes the roll-out of body cameras for members of An Garda Síochána. This Government is committed to providing the Garda with the resources it needs to tackle crime.

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