David Norris (Independent)

I commended the Minister's party and ministerial colleague, the former Tánaiste, Deputy Harney, because she was accused by the newspapers of saving money. I said I thought it was a very good thing and she should not be penalised for it. Perhaps some of the money the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, is saving can be used for this purpose. The Minister could hardly suggest Deputy Howlin and Senator Jim Higgins did not give the State sterling service. It is wrong that they were put under such pressure as a result. The Minister may take a different view.

I know the Minister agrees with me about one matter, although that was not always the case, namely, warrants issued under section 29. I am sure he will remember when the Bill was going through the House, I was one of those who questioned the role of the police in being allowed to issue warrants. I suggested this should be a judicial function rather than a function of the police. I am pleased the Minister stated, as a result of some of these reports, that he is seriously concerned about this operation and is trying to replace section 29 to define as closely as possible the exceptional circumstances in which warrants may be issued by members of the Garda Síochána. The issuing of warrants by the Garda should be very restricted. It is worrying that the police should take any judicial function, which it appears to me they are doing by issuing warrants. I hope the Minister gives the matter close attention.

I have a high regard for the Garda Síochána. I have had virtually nothing but good relations with it. It is a sterling force of which we can, by and large, be proud. There were a few difficulties in the old days when I was active in the gay community, so to speak. We knew there were one or two police stations that were really frightful because they had a bee in their bonnet about the issue and they knew they had a soft target. That is really the only thing about which I can complain.

I urge the Minister to emphasise the role of community policing. In my area of north inner city Dublin, we had a couple of extraordinarily good, engaging young police officers. They were terrific. They got to know the community and made friends there. Information was passed to them because people liked and respected them. That is what we need.

I do not think there is anything peculiar in the air in County Donegal. Having praised Mr. Vincent Browne I now utter an appeal to him, which I doubt he will hear from here, to lay off now because I am suffering from McBrearty fatigue.