Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

The garda would have to give evidence on the existence of the organisation. I cannot see him doing that and putting himself in that position. This garda will more than likely live in the community for the rest of his life. Surely a high-ranking official of the Garda Síochána is in a better position to present the case. The ordinary garda is gathering intelligence but there is a system in Dundalk, for instance, where there are 100 members in the force to gather intelligence. Each member adds to the intelligence. A chief superintendent would be in a better position to give the evidence rather than a single member of the Garda Síochána. The amendment would strengthen this Bill. It brings gathering intelligence into focus. Senior members of the force are not taking responsibility and are handing responsibility for this down the line to a garda on the beat. The latter is only gathering intelligence on a daily basis and is bringing that back to his or her superiors after his or her shift. Surely they are in a better position to give this evidence than a single member of the force.