Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Yesterday I spoke to a member of the Garda Síochána who was disillusioned and discouraged. He was a very idealistic gentleman as most members of the force are. They see their role as serving the community and ensuring security for all of us but there is a feeling among them that because of a few bad apples — which are found in every walk of society — the whole force has been tarred with the same brush. They see themselves as being denigrated and ridiculed at times. We have one of the finest police forces in the world whose members stand between us and chaos and anarchy. We expect them to take on the gangs who are trying to terrorise the whole country. These men and women regularly put their lives on the line, sometimes with terrible consequences for themselves and their families. It is important for us to speak up for the force from time to time.

I got the feeling speaking to this young man yesterday that they need a voice because confidence within the force is not as strong as it should be. We should not take them for granted. I have heard of people who want to opt out of the force when they are young. If that happens we will be giving in to the criminals and not ensuring we will have a contented society in the future. We should avail of every opportunity to stand up for one of the finest police forces in the world.