Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Garda has said it is causing difficulty, given the level at which the officer has to attend court. By reducing it to inspector, it will be much easier for the Garda to use it. It is proving difficult for its members and by reducing it to the rank of inspector, there will be more flexibility and an ability for them to attend court in the way they need. It does not take away any of the protections and it will still have to go through court. That is still in place. It is just the rank of the officer that is changing.

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