Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to be associated with the vote of sympathy to the McFadden family on the death of former Senator and Deputy, Nicky McFadden. We sympathise with her daughter Caren and son Eoin, as well as her sisters Gab and Áine, granddaughter Matilda, aunt Kay and her extended family. I knew her father Brendan very well. He was a former town and county councillor. It was sad that he passed away knowing that he would be joined very soon afterwards by his daughter.

It was a proud moment for Nicky when she was elected to the Seanad and she was a very good Member of this House. She was elected to Dáil Éireann in 2011 after years working as a town and county councillor and as a Senator. It is sad, however, that she has left us after only a short time in the Lower House. I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to her family.

As regards the statement by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, he has not gone far enough to explain the situation or to apologise to the people who went public concerning the abuse of the system. Maybe he will do so later today but he certainly did not say so in his statement. He did say there would be an independent decision on the appointment of a new Garda Commissioner, which I welcome. That decision, by an independent assessment board, will thus be taken out of the political sphere. I wish the candidates success. In addition, the establishment of a Garda authority is not before its time because the situation is serious.

The former Garda Commissioner, Martin Callinan, gave great service to the State. He had a most distinguished career and it is unfortunate that at this stage he felt he had to retire early. We have to recognise his major contribution to Irish life and to the Garda Síochána.

I would like to reiterate my support and loyalty for the Garda Síochána for its dedication and commitment to the people of this country. We should recognise that gardaí put their lives on the line every day of the week.

If the Minister is replaced very shortly that may help to restore more confidence within the whole system of the Garda Síochána and the administration of justice. I just do not think that he can continue.