Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

A debate on the Passport Office is needed for the sake of those involved in providing public services. It is apparent that there is a crisis among the public in respect of those who work in the public service and the way services are provided. Before the events at the Passport Office, there were thousands of medical card and social welfare applications not being dealt with or handled. There were also questions about the State care of children and related decisions. While the Government must take responsibility for these, so too must those involved in providing these services. This is a necessary debate.

That said, there was one public service done last week in the call made by the Garda Representative Association on the participation of its members in industrial action. It made it clear it would stop its members using their personal equipment to do their jobs properly. What kind of country are we living in that we ask gardaí to use their own telephones, cars, time and personal resources to protect us from those who are threatening our security and safety? While I hope industrial harmony and peace are restored, I hope these practices are not.