John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I apologise to the Cathaoirleach. Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, and Senator O'Toole raised the matter of allowing non-national recruits to the Garda Síochána to be granted citizenship when appointed to the force. I agreed with Senator Brian Hayes when he first raised this issue and I have made the views expressed known to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I cannot say what the outcome of talks on this proposal would be, but there is general recognition that it is a good idea. There have been requests for the Minister to come to the House to address this and other matters and perhaps we could invite him to respond. I am not sure about using a resolution to allow non-national recruits to the Garda Síochána to be granted citizenship but if it could be agreed, it would be a good way to approach the matter. The Minister has always shown himself to be amenable to coming to the House to debate this and other matters in great detail.

Guidelines have been prepared on the Garda reserve force, which was raised by Senators Brian Hayes, Leyden, Mansergh, Glynn, Feeney and Cummins. I am sure the Minister will be amenable to coming to the House to speak about it and listen to what Senators have to say. I agree with Senator Brian Hayes that the Garda is responsible for upholding the law and the will of the Oireachtas. I am confident it will do so, as it has always done. Senator Cummins referred to the Minister's commitment to return to the House to outline his proposals on this matter. If he made that commitment, I am sure he will honour it.

Having listened to the debate on the Garda Síochána legislation, I noted Members of all parties were certainly in favour of the reserve force, although there were one or two exceptions. There were questions on training and how the force would be arranged.

Senators Brian Hayes, O'Toole and Norris raised the issue of rendition. Senator Norris proposed an amendment to the Order of Business to the effect that we should take No. 26, motion 25 today. Senators O'Meara, Ormonde, Quinn, Dooley and Hanafin also spoke about this matter.