Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

The arguments made by Senator Norris are plausible, particularly in so far as the proposal would protect the Garda against false accusations. There is an onus on the accused to co-operate and he or she would be committing an offence by not co-operating in the first place. If proceedings are videotaped it will bring a uniform approach to the procedures whereby the gardaí extract hair or swabs from somebody who is unco-operative. Clear guidelines issued by the Commissioner would be welcome in that regard. As I understand the amendment I am happy to support it.