Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

Much of what I wanted to say has already been said. I welcome the general structure of this comprehensive, reforming and much needed legislation which will modernise the administration of the Garda Síochána, set up the independent complaints commission, and most important, set up the joint policing committee structure which, I hope, will incorporate public views and ensure those served by gardaí are heard.

Many poor communities feel they are not heard by gardaí and that their concerns are not taken on board. It is important for many of these, especially female victims of domestic violence, to have a good relationship with gardaí, particularly with regard to the implementation of barring orders. It is important too that they have confidence in the gardaí. Much good work has been done in this regard in terms of training and so on. Many individual members of the force have done exceptional work in carrying out their duty of protecting women who need protection in their homes.

As others have said, confidence in gardaí has waned over the past number of years. In that context, this legislation is extremely important and I hope it plays its necessary role in restoring public confidence in gardaí. I already mentioned two particular communities. However, in my experience there has been a general community-wide diminution in the level of confidence in the force.

The independent complaints' commission's role is important because the current complaints procedure is inadequate and not sufficiently transparent or independent. I look forward to the Committee Stage debate where there will be much work to be done. In general, I support the legislation.