John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I thank all the Senators who participated in the debate. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, who is standing in for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It is appropriate that he is here because he is centrally involved in terms of what is required from an infrastructural point of view to achieve what is proposed.

We all agree the Garda Síochána needs extra numbers. The Minister has agreed with this as an objective for Government, but he has also shown how it can be done. The Cassandras — mentioned by Senator Ryan — in the media and the Opposition keep saying these objectives cannot be achieved, but the Minister has shown how they can be met through the provision of extra facilities, relocation of people, in-service training and pre-retirement courses.

The recurring theme of this debate has been the need for visibility. We need to see gardaí on the street and in the communities. Visibility is a powerful deterrent, although there is argument about to what degree. I and several speakers have visited New York where policemen are visible on the corners of every block, certainly on Fifth Avenue and adjacent streets. The results of this visibility are evident to all. I have seen a similar situation in South Africa, especially with regard to the traffic police. One would be reluctant to break the speed limit there because there are checks everywhere. The squad car is not always there but the policemen sit in the bushes with their "hairdryer" to ensure people keep within the speed limit. Everybody is agreed on the important matter of visibility. Hopefully the increase in Garda numbers will help solve that issue.

The Minister made a point with regard to rural policing. It is important that people who live in isolated areas feel safe because they have been vulnerable to attack, robbery and assault. There is a wider issue in the urban areas. In approximately ten years time, my home area of Newbridge, County Kildare, will, combined with Kilcullen and Naas, have a population equivalent to the current population of Limerick. This increased population will require greater police numbers to service the area. It is imperative that the Department responds to the changing needs of society, whether these relate to increased numbers or the ethnic composition of an area.

I am pleased the Minister has recognised the need for balance in the ethnic make up of the force so that people who settle in our country will be able to identify with the Garda in a way those born here already do. The Minister spoke about second generation people and we must be aware of our prejudices in this regard. The children of a family of Pakistani origin in my area were born in Ireland, are citizens and were educated here. However, they are frequently asked where they are from. They come from Newbridge, but people do not understand that and just because their skin colour is different, it is assumed they are foreigners. We must be ready to consider our attitude.

I thank Senators for their contributions to this constructive debate. I am sure the Minister will take into account the telling points made. Senator Quinn mentioned the frustration experienced by gardaí who must deal with violent and difficult people. He would advocate an aggressive response and I agree, although it should be proportionate. Gardaí who must deal with violent and difficult people often experience frustration when they find themselves in trouble as a result. This is not right. They should not have to face that frustration nor to have to suffer long delays in getting matters to court to deal with troublemakers in society whom they want put away because of their violence or criminal activity.

In my time in this House, I cannot recall an occasion when an amendment was not seconded. The rhetoric of the Opposition is not matched by the action. If people want to speak on a subject and have proposed an amendment, it should be seconded and voted on.