Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I am not suggesting civilians should not do jobs within Garda stations. However, the Minister seems to be moving from designating security officers to a voluntary force. Giving powers to those such as security officers, as they are described in the Bill, is to dilute the status of the Garda Síochána. Reference is made to security officers and a possible voluntary force with Garda powers. We are taking powers from the Garda and giving them to others, a move with which I am not in favour. Such officers should be properly and fully trained, as a garda would be, if they are to attain the powers of a garda.