Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is aware that if one asks for the truth, one will get a perspective. Providing our police service with the use of body-worn cameras for gardaí and the expanded use of ANPR technology assists in obtaining the right perspective.

Body-worn cameras are widely used across the EU as an effective tool for evidence-gathering in the investigation of crime. I join my colleagues in Fianna Fáil in condemning in the strongest possible way attacks made on a member of An Garda Síochána. It is important that they, and other front-line workers, are protected when carrying out their duties.

There is a range of robust legislative provisions available to the Garda authorities in circumstances where threats or assaults are made against gardaí. Attacking a member of An Garda Síochána carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and assault causing harm carries a maximum life sentence. However, criminal legislation is kept under review and the Government is committed to taking further action to protect gardaí and front-line workers, as necessary.

It is welcome that the Government will also enact the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 this year, which will increase the maximum penalty available for the offence of assault causing harm, from five years' imprisonment to ten. I very much welcome that.

We have a long, proud history of policing with co-operation and anything that assists that is welcome. I have, however, one concern. A critical component on the use of facial recognition technology remains unpublished. Does the Minister intend to advance the proposal on Committee Stage and will this allow sufficient time for detailed scrutiny that the use of this technology demands? I have concerns about that, as other speakers have expressed. Everybody has a right to privacy.

I will firmly support this Bill. My son and son-in-law are gardaí. I know the work they do. I can only say they do great work, as do all gardaí. I compliment them on their work. It is important that any safety aspect we can implement to help our gardaí and the great work they do, is crucial.

I will ask the Minister about the recruitment of gardaí. I know he will be aware that it has become a considerable issue. I know he has been recruiting, but we need to do more to incentivise young women and men into An Garda Síochána. I ask that we do more on that. I am delighted support this legislation with anything I can do.

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