Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is welcome that it is International Women's Day. I was asked what woman I had found inspirational during the years. It has to be Mrs. Mary Robinson who was elected as the seventh President of Ireland. It was a great day for women. She was inspirational. As she said, she had been elected by the women of Ireland, that instead of rocking the cradle, they had rocked the system. It was an iconic moment which opened up a very liberal Ireland. She is one of many women who have been inspirational and came from Crossmolina.

I heard with interest what the two civilian members of An Garda Síochána had to say. It pains me sometimes to see what is happening in An Garda Síochána. My grandfather who fought for the freedom of this country was the first member of An Garda Síochána. It is an occupation that escaped me because I do not have the skills or discipline to be a garda. However, I will not join in the chorus of those who are undermining the integrity of An Garda Síochána which has defended the institutions of the State since its foundation. It defended the State when there were actually people and parties that were trying to undermine it. Therefore, I will not join anybody who is undermining the integrity of An Garda Síochána.I have seen what happens. They undermine their respect and integrity and take away all of the good they have done. We saw during protests about water people who were not fit to lace their shoes shouting, "Shame, shame on you". Sometimes we have to stand firm and say what has to happen within the structures and frameworks which exist. If gardaí are seen to misbehave, they should deal with the rigours of the law. I will not join a weak political movement which blames gardaí. The Garda is doing a difficult job and protects us and our State. As a politician and somebody who has always had huge respect for the Garda, I will not join that chorus. It is simple and cheap, and it has a very short future.

We saw what happened in Tallaght last week. Thankfully, the Garda had a contingency plan, a plan of which I was not aware. I am proud of An Garda Síochána and the work it does. It makes mistakes, but I will not undermine it.