Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

While other Members focused on the reference to God in the preamble to the declaration, I have some difficulty as an advocate for human rights with its third part. A member of the force will be obliged to declare that he or she will not form, belong or subscribe to any political party. I am not quite as concerned about the reference to "secret society". As an extension of their civic mindedness, gardaí would be interested in participating in the political process. While I am not seeking a response now, I ask the Minister to consider whether rank and file gardaí should be required to make such a declaration. Officers above the rank of inspector perhaps constitute another issue. Involvement in the political process at local level is commendable and I encourage as many people as possible to take part.