Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for quite rightly raising this important matter. It is important that in all parts of society we all redouble efforts to stamp out any culture that is anything other than inclusive, welcoming and supportive and does not have any tolerance at all for misogyny, violence or inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. I think we would both agree that the vast majority of members of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service serve their organisations and our country with integrity each and every day of their careers. We are rightly proud of the jobs they do, often under difficult circumstances. Professionalism and integrity are taught and promoted right from training for new recruits through to each and every rank and grade in both institutions.

The prevailing culture in disciplined organisations like An Garda Síochána and the Prison Service must be one that ensures there is no tolerance of inappropriate behaviours and that where a person is subjected to such behaviour or witnesses it, they are empowered to speak up. Where people do speak up, they must be supported and the organisation must deal firmly with perpetrators. Central to this are the organisations' codes of ethics. Both organisations' codes include the commitment for each member to support, encourage and facilitate speaking up and report wrongdoing at every level in the organisation. Cultural audits also play a very important role in getting to the heart of what the Deputy is suggesting, such as the one conducted at regular intervals by An Garda Síochána. I am pleased to say that one is planned for later this year by the Prison Service. These audits have an important role to play in highlighting any cultural issues in an organisation and in providing a basis for actions to address any issues that emerge through such audits.

Within the ranks of An Garda Síochána there is a welcome and growing gender diversity. This is something that has been lacking in some of the other organisations the Deputy referred to. Sixty-four years have passed since the first 12 women joined An Garda Síochána. Today, almost 30% of Garda members are women, including both deputy commissioners and 50% of assistant commissioners. It is worth noting that both organisations have been led by women. Achieving improved gender diversity within An Garda Síochána is equally important for the organisation as it is for the society it serves.

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