Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The review the Minister of State has mentioned may be an opportunity for engagement on these issues. This is something that needs to be looked at. As my colleague outlined, we know that things are not working as they should at the moment. I look forward to engaging with the Minister of State on that review. The training component is pressing, as we know, and we need that, regardless of the review. It would be good to see that happening and to know it would be happening.

As the Minister of State mentioned, there are larger issues relating to An Garda Síochána and training right across the board. We have focused our discussion on border points but there are issues about the wider understanding of these issues within An Garda Síochána. We talked, for example, about presence in the State rather than the exit point. In general, there needs to be much more understanding of that. The Minister of State will note that we do not just talk about knowledge, training and information in our amendments, but also address the question of support. It is not enough for people to be aware of others' legal rights. It is key that the issue is framed on the basis of supporting people to access their rights. Training should not simply be about the limitations of one's power but almost as a positive duty of support.

We will be engaging on this matter. I know an ongoing process is under way but it would be good to send a signal with this Bill that addresses the question of support. It would show that we have listened to the full gamut of the expression of concern that was expressed. I hope the Minister of State might consider bringing in a provision, even it is not worded exactly as we have it, for the ancillary supports that will be put in place around addressing the issue of smuggling. It would send a positive signal if the Minister of State found a way to include that language in the Bill and in the reporting on the Bill. The Minister of State mentioned the post-enactment review. Perhaps, in parallel with that review, there could be a report on implementation and whether sufficient training has been implemented and so forth.