Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes made the point that our police force is unarmed. He spoke about democracy and the representative organisations and expressed his dismay at the tone and content of what was said by the GRA. The gardaí can vote and when politicians call to their front doors, they are entitled to raise points with them. Politicians are looking for their vote and gardaí are seeking to express their opinions. I have often had exchanges at the front doors of houses of both Army and Garda personnel. That is wholesome and proper. We should not get too puffed up about ourselves. We are in favour of the legislation that we have passed.

There has been much controversy about what the Minister said or did not say about "his watch". It is easy to get copies of the Official Report and see exactly what Members have said. Senator O'Toole spoke about the GRA and its valid concerns. He suggested mediation. However, legislation does not lead to mediation; it is a matter of getting on with it.