John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

Their actions are a measure of the quality of the individuals involved. While some of the other matters Members wish to raise are operational matters for the Garda authorities and the Garda Commissioner, in particular, it does not mean that we should not consider them. Senator O'Meara made a reasonable point because there is huge pressure in urban areas, where the population is increasing, to have extra gardaí, and for their presence to be visible. There is also a need in rural areas to have the force present and visible. Some of us can recall a time when the gardaí used to remind people they had not cut their noxious weeds or tried to establish in the census how many chickens one had in the chicken run. The gardaí were very much part of the rural culture at the time. While it is no harm that these days have gone, there are issues which should be examined.

We should celebrate the sporting success of the past week both in Twickenham and the gold medal Ms Derval O'Rourke won in the 60 m indoor hurdles. It is the first gold medal for an Irish woman in the world games. We should also celebrate the achievements of the Irish racingfraternity in Cheltenham.