Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I am persuaded by comments made by the Minister and, in particular, Senator Maurice Hayes, indicating that the key issue in this regard is behaviour and the need to show common respect for people in dealing with them. It is fair to point out that gardaí must have regard to the importance of human rights in all their functions, as required under section 7(4).

This is a relatively new area. New Garda recruits undergoing training are alerted to the issue of human rights in human rights modules of the course. A television programme I watched noted that while it is all very well informing recruits about human rights issues when they are in Templemore, human rights must be inculcated in members of the force when they move to the various Garda stations.

As has been argued, the main issue is behaviour. By alerting members of the Garda to the importance of human rights in the code of conduct, the legislation will mark a significant improvement on current practice. Too often in the past, gardaí have not been aware of human rights issues and common bad practice in one Garda station or area has come to be accepted. Through the legislation, we must indicate that at all time members of the Garda must observe the importance of human rights in carrying out their functions. I accept the Minister's argument.