Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Ulick Burke on the need to address the lack of training for Garda drivers, an issue which has been raised previously on several occasions. The fact that Garda cars are not subject to the national car test gives rise to dangers to gardaí and the public. What are the intentions of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform with regard to subjecting Garda cars to the national car test? They should be tested in the same manner as every other car on the road. Several accidents have taken place as a result of the poor condition of Garda cars and the lack of training of their drivers. The issue should be addressed as a matter of urgency.

I support Senator Brian Hayes on the issue of mandatory sentences. The Senator referred to the Criminal Justice Act 1999 but the provisions for mandatory sentences are even stronger in the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which was fully supported in this House. The sovereign wishes of the people are represented by the Houses of the Oireachtas, so if these Houses pass legislation on mandatory sentencing, our decisions should be respected by the Judiciary.