Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On a more serious note, I am happy on behalf of the Labour group to support this motion on accepting the CEPOL measure. The Minister of State outlined its import. Sadly, almost daily terrorist attacks are beginning to define the world. The atrocity in Nice was mentioned on the Order of Business. I condemn the perpetrator of those awful killings and express my sympathy to the victims who remain in hospital and to the families of the deceased, some of whom were children. It was an appalling attack.

In times of such atrocities, it is important that we be able to see the co-ordination across Europe of good policing networks, policing that can respond to a transnational terrorism threat and security and crime concerns in compliance with fundamental human rights and civil liberties. It is important that the key principles underpinning the European agenda on security include that compliance. For example, it is right to condemn the attempted coup in Turkey, but also the disproportionate response of the Erdogan Government. Many of us would be concerned by the calls by members of the Turkish Government to bring back the death penalty. It would be at odds with the European agenda on security, the European conception of fundamental rights and membership of the Council of Europe and the EU, which requires the abolition of the death penalty. Compliance with fundamental rights, transparency, accountability and democratic control of policing are important, as they give citizens confidence in policing and law enforcement generally. This is an important framework within which to consider the CEPOL regulation.

In recent months, there have been significant concerns in the US about how its policing operates, perceptions around racial bias and so on. That situation underlines the importance of having proper governance of and accountability for policing. I am glad that we have a policing authority in this jurisdiction. Long overdue, it was a missing element of the major reforms of 2005.

For all of the reasons that I have cited, I support this measure. It underlines the benefits of training and development, which were identified in the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 as key requirements for developing a modern and efficient police service. As the former Chairman of the justice committee, the Minister of State will recall our hearings with the Garda Inspectorate regarding its reporting on flaws and inadequacies in policing, many of which stemmed from poor training practices, little oversight of newly recruited gardaí, etc. We are all aware of the importance of training and development.

I have a question about something that the Minister of State said. As the regulation entered into force on 1 July, Ireland is no longer involved in the college because we have yet to signal our desire to participate. We are coming to the table late with this motion, given that today is 19 July. The measure has been lapsed for the past two weeks. Will the Minister of State clarify the situation? If the motion is passed by both Houses, we will be back in the college, so to speak, and can continue our co-operation. I believe that the Minister of State is confirming that. I just wanted to check. I remember from the justice committee the imperative of agreeing EU motions before particular deadlines. Why have we come late to this one, given its importance?