Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I thank the Minister for outlining the comprehensive, important and far-reaching aspects of the Bill before us. As the Minister said, it is presented as a technical Bill to implement a new Garda operating model. As colleagues in the House have acknowledged, and I am sure others will, it makes sense that an organisation as large and of such importance as An Garda Síochána would take the opportunity through the Department and this legislation to re-evaluate how it is functioning and operating in a modern context. Set alongside the new model is the main aim, which is described as introducing structural changes to provide for more front-line gardaí, increase Garda visibility and ensure a wider range of policing services for local communities. The objectives of the Bill have been warmly welcomed in this Chamber and will be particularly welcome in communities across this State that are desperately in need of the support of An Garda Síochána to ward off violent criminals and prevent criminal acts.

The test that the Bill sets itself, and therefore the Garda, is a tall order in any set of circumstances. However, in circumstances of restructuring, there are serious concerns that the changes could lead to less Garda visibility and a loss of some resources in some rural areas that the force may have had. That was touched on by my colleague Senator Gallagher. It is the responsibility of the leadership team of An Garda Síochána to ensure the aim of front-line visibility is realised.

As colleagues have acknowledged, it is a good idea to introduce a drug-testing policy into the police service. It will bring An Garda Síochána into line with international best practice.

We are told the Bill must be passed without delay to meet the pilot scheme deadline. It might sound presumptuous but I would have expected its radical aims to be part of a considered, thoughtful and worked-out plan. As part of a worked-out plan, those officers in certain ranks facing a change in their status should be compensated appropriately and fairly. However, Sinn Féin supports this Bill on the grounds that the aims it is setting are worthy and beneficial to the people and the police service in the joint enterprise of making society safer for everyone except criminals.