Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I am declaring that I was nominated by the Irish Conference of Professional and Service Associations, which includes the Garda Representative Association. The GRA has sent me a detailed document which I have studied. On the basis of being supported and nominated by the Irish Conference of Professional and Service Associations, I would appreciate if the Minister or his officials or both would meet the GRA to discuss section 14.

The Minister has made a persuasive argument, particular regarding an emergency which may arise in a particular region at a particular time and would require support for the Garda Síochána. Outbreaks of violence and so forth arise from time to time, even in rural areas.

Members of the Houses are served extremely well by the Garda Síochána. As the premier institution of the State, the Oireachtas is a reflection of the State. The Army is responsible for security in the Houses at night and on weekends, while the Garda is in charge during the day. I would like this position to be maintained, irrespective of what supplementary force is established in the future. It is important to have gardaí in the Houses. They look after Members extremely well and present a great public face of the force.