Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

If this is achieved, the Garda will attain respectability and status from the citizens who have decided to make their home in Ireland. I welcome such a development.

I also welcome the Minister's assertion that although the Irish language is important within the Garda, it should not be a barrier to recruitment if a person does not have leaving certificate level Irish. It is grossly unfair that a person could be brilliant at mathematics, for example, but be barred from joining the force because he or she does not speak Irish. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, and some other Irish language proponents have expressed reservations about such a development. These reservations are unwarranted and there should be no barrier regarding Irish competency if a person possesses adequate skills to join the Garda.

Regarding the numbers and the point made in Fianna Fáil's 1997 manifesto, there has been little recruitment in the last two years. I accept the Minister is accelerating the programme. He was applauded by his colleague, Senator Morrissey, on his sense of vision and creativity in getting the OPW to expand on developments in Templemore and elsewhere. I am amused by this sycophantic tone because I would expect a person with any degree of imagination and innovation within a Department to come up with such suggestions if he or she wishes to pursue a programme of expansion. We will wait and see regarding the success of the programme and I will not be critical of it because I wish the Minister well.

We all know the expansion of Garda numbers is required and we are aware of the degree of lawlessness which exists within communities. A survey Fine Gael conducted last February in conjunction with a national opinion poll provider indicated that many people in the 18 to 24 year old category do not report crimes such as burglaries to the Garda because they do not have confidence in the system. This confidence must be restored. I come from Limerick, which has had its share of problems in the past, but I must compliment the chief superintendent and the Garda authorities on putting the lid on many of the difficulties experienced in Limerick, such as problems with gangs and associated criminal activities. I appreciate what has been achieved in this regard.

The sad death of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe in Limerick has been referred to in this Chamber. We were all touched by last night's television programme which portrayed the appeal of his widow, Mrs. McCabe, to this Administration. However, I am fearful that if a deal is done between the DUP and Sinn Féin and the Northern Ireland talks progress, Detective Garda McCabe's killers will be released shortly afterwards. Reassurance was sought by a colleague in this House from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform of a previous commitment that this would not happen and such a reassurance was given. I will watch with great interest what happens in this regard.