Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is an important day for justice in this country. I thank the Garda Síochána Inspectorate for its ground breaking and comprehensive report. Most rank and file gardaí will welcome the report because they are doing their best in systems that have let them down. There is now a realisation, based on the recommendations of the inspectorate's report, that the systems have to be fixed. Much that is positive in An Garda Síochána has happened in the last six months. The Acting Garda Commissioner is doing a very good job, and the new Minister for Justice and Equality is extremely committed to reforming the Garda. Her brief is specific, and the transfer of the defence portfolio to a different Minister has facilitated her in focusing on implementing the necessary reforms.

Now that we have the report, it is time we moved to put the new systems in place. I ask the Leader to recommend to the Minister that every single recommendation in the report be implemented. It is welcome that a Cabinet sub-committee and other structures have been put in place to start the process of implementing the recommendations. To that effect, it would be useful if the Leader could arrange a debate with the Minister on the Garda Síochána Inspectorate's report. That would give her an opportunity to update the House on the timeline for implementation of these recommendations. It would also give us an opportunity for a full debate on the issue of Garda reform.

The Garda is an important pillar of society. The rank and file do a phenomenal job and it is our responsibility as parliamentarians to ensure reform of the systems is kept at the top of the political agenda. A number of Members of this House were nominated by the Garda Representative Association. I am sure they will be delighted to participate in such a debate and I ask the Leader to facilitate one at an early opportunity.