Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of my group, I must say it is a shame that neither the Taoiseach nor the Tánaiste could turn up today after the recess. It tells a lot about what they think of this House.

I want to raise a serious issue relating to the Garda, on which we want a debate in this House. Almost 99% of Garda Representative Association members - it was almost unanimous - voted no confidence in the Garda Commissioner, yet he is still stubbornly going ahead with the extra roster, supported by the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee. There will be 20% fewer gardaí in any station or at any place. It effectively means there will be areas in the countryside, and cities and towns, with no cover whatsoever. It will result in the disbanding of drug units and community policing, which is happening in Clonmel as I speak. Special units will also be disbanded to fill a paper exercise. The chief superintendent for Tipperary and Clare is now in Ennis. He filled out a box-ticking exercise stating that he has gardaí to fill this roster when he has not, and he knows he has not. The public are alarmed. The lives of gardaí are being put in danger by this Commissioner. It is reckless.

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