Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We had a very good debate yesterday on the Garda Síochána and GSOC. It covered a range of areas but what impressed me most was that the Leader's replacement was an expert in this area because of her involvement in the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. It was a reminder to us of the benefits that come from those committees. One of the areas we debated yesterday was crime prevention and crime detection.

There was a raid in Galway yesterday morning to which the public responded immediately by calling the Garda. Four people were arrested and I understand the jewellery stolen was recovered. It is a real reminder of the work An Garda Síochána and the Oireachtas joint committees do.

Mr. Willie Walsh is appearing before the Joint Committee on Transport today, which is the reason my colleague, Senator Sean D. Barrett, who is a member of the committee is not present. It is a reminder of the work being done by the committees, but we must cover these areas because we cannot all attend committees. Senators Ivana Bacik and Sean D. Barrett are university Senators, which adds to the talent available.

Senator Aideen Hayden raised the question of credit unions, on which I would like a debate. The proposal is that those credit unions which, as the Senator stated, stay close to and know their customers will be made into super credit unions. I can understand why and it makes sense to do so. However, it be would be worthwhile having a debate in this House, as well as at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditur and Reform, because there is a range of views, as well as expertise, in this House, from which we could derive benefit.