Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

They have welcomed, and I have welcomed, the victims of the war in Ukraine with open arms. They have willingly opened their hearts to those in need. However, I believe it is time to modify and rebalance our immigration policy.

The events of last week taught us about the critical role of our gardaí in society and the urgent necessity to focus on the limitations of the force. The images of rank and file gardaí entering last week's volatile eruption were frightening. Our gardaí on duty were brave and courageous in the face of hostility. I believe the Garda Commissioner's comments, "We responded as the events unfolded", sum up the situation. I believe that this approach and response was an abject failure of management and policing policy. It was a humiliating operational failure. It has been obvious for some time that the policy of Garda management in standing back with a softly, softly approach does not work. Reluctance to confront protesters and a passive approach emboldens the perpetrators. It is long past time to take the gloves off with these hooligans. The gardaí are under more surveillance than the criminals themselves. The level of bureaucracy and procedure, with the excessive focus on discipline, has left our force in fear of acting. The spontaneity, decisiveness and discretion of Garda members is suppressed. Gardaí tell us that they are paralysed with the threat of investigation, suspension or sanction. Our Garda force is under enormous pressure. Every member of this House has a responsibility to ensure we provide the necessary resources, equipment and technology it urgently needs and deserves.

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