Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, welcome the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality. We are discussing very important aspects. For too long, the system of judicial appointments has not been dealt with. I share Senator McDowell's concern about a moratorium. The legislation the Tánaiste proposes is a very important incremental step forward in tidying up the process. We have been very lucky to have an effectively unblemished record of judicial decency and honour. We have great judges, many of whom are coming out of retirement to do the State further service. It shows the calibre of the people who served on the benches of the country over the years.

On the difficulties faced regarding the Garda Síochána, I call on all parties to continue engagement. The rank and file members of the Garda Síochána do not want to go on strike. They do not want any disciplinary issues or for the public to feel afraid that there may be an increase in crime on the allocated days. The responsibility is on the Garda representatives and the Government to engage and continue to engage. I have no doubt the issues will be ironed out. I agree there is a special case for the Garda and maybe we should debate it. They are one of the few groups of public servants who put themselves in the line of danger, and some have lost their lives. Garda Tony Golden's anniversary mass was yesterday.

The Garda Commissioner, Nóirín O'Sullivan, appeared before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and Equality this morning and gave a phenomenal performance, although it was all about one issue. Enormous transformation is taking place across the Garda Síochána. Templemore has reopened and new recruits are coming in. The Government has committed to an additional 800 gardaí per year over the coming years. There is a programme for change to modernise the structures of the force in terms of ICT. Millions of euro have been invested in Garda vehicles. The provision whereby civilians can do certain behind the desk tasks is happening. There will be recruitment of senior management to ensure the Garda Síochána has the necessary skills base to do its work. It is a very exciting time for the Garda Síochána.

Let us not forget the quarterly behaviour and attitudes survey shows that the public has more than 85% confidence in the Garda Síochána, which is a world record compared with other police forces. Three or four years ago, public confidence stood at 67%, which was still much higher than other countries. Less than 15% of the population do not have confidence in the Garda Síochána. Given the programme of transformation, steered by a phenomenal Garda Commissioner with a phenomenal work ethic and supported by the Tánaiste and Government, the next few years will be a very exciting time for the Garda Síochána. I sincerely hope the little difficulties in terms of pay will be resolved, bearing in mind that the whole country has suffered pay cuts over recent years. Maybe we can consider creating a special case for the men and women of the Garda Síochána.