Seanad debates

Thursday, 12 February 2015

11:20 am

Photo of Caít KeaneCaít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Leyden's comments on Hartmann's jewellers in Galway. I had a plate engraved there on my retirement from UCG many years ago so I know the shop well. I compliment the gardaí involved. We have heard so much criticism of An Garda Síochána in recent times but it is a priceless force and it is important that we would acknowledge the work it does. I wholeheartedly support An Garda Síochána and I agree with Senator Ó Clochartaigh that pay and conditions in the force should be examined. Gardaí put their lives on the line every day and probably feel that they are not appreciated. They never look for appreciation, I am sure, but they are at least entitled to a just reward.

I wish to raise the issue of the number of robberies that are facilitated by stolen mobile phones. Criminals are using stolen mobile phones to communicate with their accomplices and so forth. In California a new law has been passed that mandates kill switches in mobile phones. If one's phone is stolen, one can kill it remotely. This technology is not available in every mobile phone. It is only available in the iPhone 6, the Samsung Galaxy S5, and several other very new smart phones. Microsoft is expected to put it in its phones soon. Some US states have made kill switches mandatory in all mobile phones. I was at a public meeting in Firhouse last week which was entirely taken up with a discussion on burglaries, crime and so forth. Many people spoke about the way crime is being facilitated by mobile phones. I am not calling for a full debate on this issue but rather am asking if the Leader would make representations to the Minister to examine whether we could introduce similar legislation. We should also highlight this kill technology because many people who have these newer smart phones would not even know that this technology is included. It is possible to kill one's phone remotely and the phone is rendered absolutely useless. Phones are also being stolen for resale and this technology renders them useless. As a result of this technology, it has been found that phone-related crime has decreased.

I concur with the remarks of Senator van Turnhout and others but would point out that the Taoiseach made some very good choices in his appointment of Senators to this House. Senator van Turnhout is not on the University Panel and Senators on that side of the House cannot claim to have all of the brains. Both the elected and nominated Senators have university degrees, unlike in times of old. I hear this peddled across the floor every so often ---

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.