Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I imagine home truths were exchanged on both sides.

Senator Susan O'Keeffe paid tribute to Jimmy Walsh and referred to the personal insolvency guidelines. I will seek a debate on the guidelines when they have been published in their final form.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of Easter 1916 and the freedom of association and speech for the Garda Representative Association and Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors. While I would welcome a debate on the right to protest and freedom of association, we must recognise that the disciplined forces such as the Garda Síochána and Defence Forces are different. It is naive to suggest that the recent incident can be compared to an elected politician walking out of the Dáil or Seanad Chamber. Incidentally, I am not inviting the Senator to do so. We must recognised that these are two very different scenarios. As a criminal lawyer, I have immense respect for the tough work done by gardaí but I also recognise the importance of their role as a disciplined force.

It is worth noting that the GRA and AGSI had an opportunity to participate in the negotiations facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission and were called upon to do so by the Minister for Justice and Equality, the Taoiseach and others.