Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Government has neglected to resource and support the Garda. The force is under-resourced and morale was never as low. This is a pity because we do need to support the gardaí. We need them. There is a very thin line between anarchy and good living and what we need. I salute the gardaí who travelled long distances from all over the country last week, of their own volition, men and women, to help their colleagues and regain the streets of our capital city. I salute and support them. We must support them.

I was all for having a Commissioner from outside the State, but, unfortunately, this Commissioner has not worked out. I refer to the carry-on that has gone on with the Government not supporting the Garda. Every piece of legislation brought in recent years has been anti-gardaí. The members of the force have not been supported, not given the tools of the trade and not allowed to do what they are supposed to be doing. Is mór an trua é sin. Unfortunately, therefore, I cannot support the Minister tonight because I have expressed no confidence in her and in the Commissioner before.

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