Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator O'Meara for sharing her time and welcome the Minister and his officials to the House. I wish to acknowledge the huge role played by gardaí. Recently a constituent of mine jumped into the river to rescue someone but the story never even made the newspapers. If, however, something goes wrong, it is on the front page. Gardaí risk their lives day in and out for the common good.

The Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland has requested that town councillors should be on the policing committees. Will the Minister consider this? Crime is far more rampant in urban rather than rural areas and from that point of view this provision would make sense.

Section 31 describes the make-up of a joint policing committee and includes Members of the Dáil. Why are Members of the Seanad excluded and can this be rectified? I hope that as elected representatives we would be willing to serve on such committees, make a positive contribution and bring our experiences to bear on them.

I welcome the appointment of an ombudsman commission to investigate the Garda. This will help to restore public confidence in the system. Where people have a complaint to make against a garda they can do so in the interest of all. This commission will also work in favour of gardaí. For example, gardaí have to take part in situations where their health and safety is compromised, for example, mob situations, without proper equipment. They can now use the commission to address their concerns. There are two sides to the commission and it is a welcome step.