Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

The Minister's amendment allays the GRA's fears. The GRA was concerned about external association. The GRA is also associated with EuroCOP and other organisations such as the Irish Conference of Professional and Service Associations and it is important that such associations should continue openly, with the approval of the Minister. Section 13 of the Garda Act 1977 allows the Minister to decide and that is fair. The GRA is happy that the Minister should have such a right. The association is an active member of ICPSA, which nominated both myself and Senator Cummins to the Seanad. A GRA representative is honorary secretary of ICPSA, which is in contact with the other affiliate organisations.

The Minister has no intention of debarring the GRA from membership of such a reputable organisation, which nominates seven Members of the Seanad. If the original Bill were followed to its logical conclusion, the GRA could not directly contact Members.