Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Last month I raised with the Deputy Leader the issue of allowing non-national recruits to the Garda Síochána to be granted citizenship when appointed to the force. Has he considered the matter further? It is positive that many non-nationals are to join the Garda Síochána. It is good for the Garda and good for society at large. Those people, when they are to be appointed as fully serving officers of the force, should also have the opportunity to become Irish citizens.

Next week I will produce a Private Members' Bill allowing for this development in the context of an amendment to the Garda Síochána Bill. I have received legal opinion to the effect that it may not require legislation but merely a simple resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas to allow that situation to come to pass.

I know the Government is generally positive towards this proposal. In the next week or two, will the Government set aside some of its own time or give the Opposition time to put this resolution to the House? The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform would be eager to consider the matter although, clearly, he would need to raise it with his colleagues in Government. There is general cross-party support for this proposal. It is a good idea, it is worth doing and it should be initiated in this House. I ask for time to debate the matter, if the Deputy Leader will allow.

Will the Deputy Leader provide time next week to allow the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House to make a statement and to hear contributions from Members on the question of the Garda reserve? I am supportive of the proposal, which is a good idea. I welcome that the Minister has published guidelines for the new recruits to this service. Much of the comment in this regard is scaremongering from people who should know better. I ask that the Government provide time next week for the Minister to make a full statement and hear comment from all sides. Of course there should be consultation and all of the associations and bodies which represent the Garda Síochána should be part and parcel of this process. However, there is an absolute responsibility on the members of the force to enforce the law. The law is clear on this issue — under the Garda Síochána Bill a reserve is to be established and that law must be enforced.

Will the Deputy Leader, my colleagues on the other side of the House and the Government in particular not use their blocking majority to vote down Private Members' motion No. 25 on the Order Paper, which concerns the establishment of a select committee of this House to consider what is happening at Shannon Airport?