Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I repeat the call made yesterday for an urgent debate on the Garda Síochána in Ireland in light, in particular, of issues raised yesterday during the annual Garda conference. Such a debate should not be about apportioning blame in this regard to the current Minister for Justice and Equality and Garda Commissioner or the former Minister for Justice and Equality. There is a societal problem with regard to respect for An Garda Síochána, something in which we all have a role to play. It is important we have a full debate on this issue. While it is important to discuss issues such as resources, the effectiveness of the PULSE system and so on, there is an obligation on us to address the lack of societal respect for law, order and authority in this country, which hits rank and file gardaí more than anybody else.

I support the Garda Síochána, 99% of whom are great people. It is a pity that gardaí trying to defend our communities and people are being spat at, bitten, kicked, knocked, abused and assaulted. Rather than an anti-Minister or anti-Government debate, we need a full debate on the future of An Garda Síochána. If current practice in this area continues, people will not look to join the Garda Síochána in the future. We have some excellent exponents of justice, who support our society and work with communities. If this rot is not addressed in the near future, the result will result be further erosion of confidence in An Garda Síochána. Morale among front-line members of An Garda Síochána is very low. However, I do not blame Government for this. We all have a role to play in it.