Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I am not convinced by the Opposition arguments in this regard. If there is malpractice or corruption in the Garda Síochána, it is not for the ombudsman commission to resolve it. That is an issue that should be resolved by the force. It is important, however, that a garda who reports suspicions should not subsequently incur sanctions. There is a kind of omerta or sense of identity in any group or team. Inherent in our culture, probably because of our history, is the sense that we should not squeal on each other.