Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is very much welcome that the Minister for Justice and Equality will announce today in Templemore at the passing out of newly qualified Garda Reserve recruits that he will open recruitment for new members of the Garda Síochána. I hope an adequate number will be appointed fairly soon. I request the Leader to invite the Minister to the House in order that we can hear his plans for the Defence Forces. Since he took over as Minister for Defence, the numbers serving in the Defence Forces have reduced dramatically. He has closed Army barracks throughout the country and depleted the resources available to the Defence Forces to carry out their duties. Now he is reducing the numbers employed. This is not good enough and the issue requires to be debated urgently.

I call on the Leader again for a debate on the Smithwick tribunal report. Very serious findings were made regarding the Garda Síochána and I would very much welcome a debate as soon as we return in the new year.

I agree with Senator Paul Coghlan and would also welcome more co-operation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Garda Síochána in tackling diesel laundering and other illegal activities which cost the State millions per year in lost revenue. I would not like to detract from the fact that communities in the Border area are law-abiding. Senator Paul Coghlan might not like to highlight the fabulous scenery and excellent tourist potential in the area.