Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the useful debate we had last night on the Bill introduced by Senators Katherine Zappone and Feargal Quinn setting out proposals for Seanad reform. Their Bill and the legislation brought forward by Senator John Crown have passed Second Stage and been added to the Order Paper. It is a welcome development that these proposals will now inform the debate leading up to the referendum to be held later this year.

Will the Leader arrange a debate on the report published yesterday by the Garda Commissioner on the investigation into alleged irregularities in the cancellation of penalty points? This issue has been the subject of a great deal of debate in the other House and various media. It is very important and welcome that this investigation was undertaken. It is essential in terms of public confidence in the Garda that we have proper oversight and transparency procedures in respect of any such process of discretionary decision-making. The very serious allegations made are not borne out in the report, but it does raise several questions. I assume the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will examine the report, but we should also have a debate on it in this House. In the light of the allegations, the process that gave rise to the report and the report itself, Transparency Ireland has called for a review of internal whistleblower procedures within the Garda. Certainly, the treatment of the whistleblowers and the extent of the allegations made by them are worthy of further consideration. In short, a number of serious issues remain to be debated arising from the report.

Tomorrow, 17 May, is International Day of Action Against Homophobia, IDAHO. I understand that in Britain various Government buildings will be flying the rainbow flag to mark the occasion. Here in Ireland Dublin City Council flies the flag during Pride Week, but we might consider ensuring in future years that as many State buildings as possible will do so on IDAHO Day.