Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator Brian Hayes with regard to the constitutionality of the dual mandate. I also agree with Senator Jim Walsh that our party was in favour of the theory behind the dual mandate but we are not happy with the way the Minister has presented it.

Senator Brian Hayes has already called for a debate on Northern Ireland. It is imperative that we have such a debate soon because legislation is proposed which relates to the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Garda Síochána and which will change the landscape. We should use the debate as a foundation upon which to build and move forward. Policing is the key, not just for Northern Ireland but also for the South.