Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I will consider the matter between now and Report Stage. I note that this is a summary offence, which is largely due to the fact that it is a re-enactment of an existing provision. To have in one's possession or to wear a Garda uniform is a serious matter. However, if it is not an impersonation offence, which is dealt with under the previous section, I do not want to go wild on penalisation.

Having said that, if I found in someone's garage four Garda uniforms or imitations or composites of Garda uniforms and civilian clothes which look like the real thing, I would agree that six months might be an inadequate sentence because this could be seen as a preparatory act to using those items for something else. However, I do not want to be overly reactionary on the subject.

If someone was found in his or her flat with a number of Garda uniforms, it could be a very serious offence; much more so than one committed under section 53, in which a person might telephone someone else pretending to be a member of the Garda Síochána. I will examine the provision between now and Report Stage.