Kate Walsh (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and I also extend my sympathy to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, on the untimely death of his mother-in-law today. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. There is no doubt that the second report of the Morris tribunal has shocked and angered many people across the country. Having been the wife of a member of the Garda Síochána for a good few years and having many relatives in the force, I could say that I am slightly embarrassed by the report.

Other speakers in this debate have congratulated Mr. Justice Morris and his team for the excellent work they carried out. I also express my gratitude to them. They have done us all a great service. The second report of the Morris tribunal revealed many worrying facts. It revealed a culture of behaviour among some, and I emphasise some, gardaí in Donegal that must be denounced by all right-thinking citizens. The McBrearty family and others have been seriously wronged over the years and I welcome the fact that they will receive an apology from the State and that their case will not be contested.

No one must underestimate the trauma endured by this family. However, I would like to use these few minutes to focus on one other aspect. I want to speak for the many gardaí who are just as horrified at these findings as we are. I do this in the knowledge that other speakers, and more importantly Mr. Justice Morris, have set out in great detail the manner in which the McBrearty family and others have been treated. Their plight is everyone's first concern and I do not in any way wish to downplay this fact. We must also remember Mr. Barron, the man who lost his life. His family, friends and community have suffered a great deal. We must not lose sight of this fact.

The most recent official figures put Garda numbers at over 11,500. There are 703 Garda stations throughout the country. The vast majority of gardaí are at garda rank and work on our streets acting as a thin blue line between us and lawlessness and chaos. For these gardaí, the findings of the Morris tribunal and the aftermath are appalling. They must carry on with their duties and pursue their mission to achieve the highest level of personal protection, community commitment and State security. They must carry out their duties despite knowing that confidence in some elements of the force has been badly damaged and shaken. I want to let it be known that these honest, brave, hardworking and honourable members of the Garda Síochána have our confidence, trust and, most of all, respect.

The media coverage and debates in the House and elsewhere will contain charges that are devastating. There are points that must be made. These points do not only apply to a minority of gardaí, they apply only to a minority of gardaí in Donegal, which is a very important point to make. While we must not be afraid to criticise and deal with the unacceptable behaviour among the few, we must not forget the contribution to our society made by the many. When approximately 25,000 burglaries happen every year, who do we rely on for help? Who do we rely on to protect us and to intervene when we feel helpless and threatened? We should be proud of the daily work of the Garda Síochána. While we take time in this House to condemn the outrageous actions of the few gardaí who abused their powers and the good name of the force, we should acknowledge the vital and courageous work of the many.

Since his appointment as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell has made it a priority to achieve the most comprehensive reform of the Garda Síochána since the foundation of the State. The report of the Morris tribunal underlines the need for this reform and all parties must ensure the necessary legislation is enacted without delay. I have total confidence in the Minister to deliver this reform and I have total confidence in the Garda Síochána to continue to serve our citizens to the highest standards on a daily basis.