James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I also welcome this important Bill and it delivers on a commitment that the Government gave to Garda members. It is worth remembering that there are 16,990 members of the Garda, of which 14,032 are in uniform, 2,480 are civilians and 528 are in the reserve. These men and women protect us every day and put their lives on the line. It was, as others have said, very unfortunate that they felt they would have to engage in a so-called blue flu to achieve reasonable rates of pay and address their issues that had become intolerable from their point of view. I welcome the fact they now has access to the Labour Court, the WRC and all of the available industrial relations mechanisms. Obviously, State security forces cannot go on strike - State security cannot allow that - but we must show that we appreciate the very special job that members of the force do and the very dangerous risks that they take daily. Every time they respond to a call, they do not know what they will face, but they do so to protect each one of us. These people are due our highest regard as I know the Government and Minister have for them. I welcome the Bill and commend it to the House.