Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the enactment of this legislation. It received a tremendous airing and I thank the Minster for introducing the Bill in this House. It was teased out over quite a period of time. As Senator Cummins has noted, the Bill is a major reform of the legislative system underpinning the Garda Síochána.

We have covered matters such as the joint policing committees, a partnership between members of local government, Members of the Oireachtas, and the gardaí, the inspectorate and the provisions for the ombudsman. While there may be disagreement on the detail it must be said that overall the Bill will make a significant contribution to underpinning the operations of the force in the future. For this, the Minister and his officials deserve credit and our commendation. I look forward to the full implementation of this legislation. That the Minister has set up an overarching committee to ensure its early implementation is indicative to his absolute commitment to this regard.