Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I support Senators O'Toole and Maurice Hayes in their call for a debate on the Garda Síochána. Last Tuesday, Senator Cummins and I had the pleasure of attending the AGSI conference dinner in Wexford at which we had the pleasure of meeting Kathleen O'Toole and listening to her speak. Her appointment comes at a crucial time for the force. I agree with Senator O'Toole that we as leaders should support the force and tell the Garda Síochána what a good job it is doing.

I note the young female faces who are gardaí which shows the force is changing. I was delighted to hear that the maximum entry age for the Garda Síochána is now 35 years. People can have a career and join the force with a wealth of experience. I am delighted to hear the Garda Síochána is pleased with the Garda reserve force. The culture of secrecy is being weeded out and people such as Kathleen O'Toole, together with the young force, will show us that in 30 years' time when the archives are examined, as Senator Norris said, they will not be contaminated nor interfered with but will be preserved.