Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I echo the call made by Senator Bacik for a real debate on the report of the Commission of the Future of Policing in Ireland. It is a very thorough and challenging document. It will require very considerable political commitment and the application of resources, not merely financial but also intellectual and emotional, in changing the culture of An Garda Síochána and supporting the process of change.

The report itself has provided for some oversight of its own implementation by suggesting the process can begin within three months. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Charles Flanagan, appeared to say this would be the blueprint for the development of policing in Ireland over the coming years. If it is, we need to see a firm statement of Government commitment as to how the Government will achieve all the various aims in the report.

The policing system in our country has faced many difficulties recently. Morale among members of An Garda Síochána is low. The self-esteem of An Garda Síochána has been dented by recent events. The proposals of Ms O'Toole and her group should be implemented rapidly. Members of An Garda Síochána - men and women - and civilian staff in An Garda Síochána should be given a very clear message that change is on the way and that the Government is 100% committed to this and that it will happen.

Senator Bacik mentioned the referendum result and the fact that the challenge has finally gone through the courts, that the President had finally signed the legislation into law and that our Constitution is now changed. The whole process of referendum petitions should be re-examined. It seems to me that it is possible for one person, just using ordinary procedures in the courts, to delay every referendum's implementation by about three months.