Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise to strongly support the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the Commissioner, Drew Harris, in their work, in particular at this time of challenge to the State from the far right and the far left. The first duty of any State is the safety and security of its citizens. In this regard Fine Gael has never been found wanting. It faced down decades of threats of a most brutal type from Sinn Féin and the IRA and the broader republican movement.

When Sinn Féin speaks about law and order and the rule of law it brings to mind the loyal and dedicated members of An Garda Síochána who were murdered by the republican movement and their bereaved families. I recall Garda Richard Fallon, Inspector Samuel Donegan, Garda Michael Reynolds, Garda Michael Clerkin near my home, Garda John Morley, Garda Henry Byrne, Garda Seamus Quaid, Garda Patrick Reynolds recruit Garda Gary Sheehan, Garda Frank Hand, Sergeant Patrick Morrissey, Detective Garda Jerry McCabe, Garda Tony Golden and Garda Adrian Donohoe. How many of these brutal murders of members of An Garda Síochána in the course of their duty have been condemned by Sinn Féin? How many were not? The record speaks for itself. We remember Senator Billy Fox from our own political family. We will take no lectures from Sinn Féin on the rule of law and law and order.

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