Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will come back on that point around whether we are going to put in something like IHREC. The Minister spoke about the policing priorities. I am sure Members were listening to "Morning Ireland" this morning when people were talking about the structured retail theft that is going on at the moment, whereby gangs now are going into shops and literally clearing out sections. As was explained in the piece this morning, it is nothing to do with the issue of inflation or food poverty or anything like that. These are non-essential items.

I am wondering why one of those groups that would be listed as "appropriate" would not be the gardaí themselves. The "Garda Commissioner" and "National Office" are listed. However, if the Minister is talking about the policing service and police priorities, surely, the rank and file members would be among those listed as those who would have to be consulted with because if they are not being consulted with, the Garda Commissioner and others, obviously, will be consulted with about determining the priorities.

Section 61 refers to "An Garda Síochána in performing its functions relating to policing services". Clearly, we have ongoing issues. We will not go into what has been raised in this Chamber many times during the Order of Business regarding the rank and file and other ranks and their ongoing engagement with the Garda Commissioner. Surely, however, they are one of the groups that should be consulted with. I know the Minister has given an undertaking that there will be others that could be considered. However, that is why I am saying that if we are going to have an issue of listening to the people on the ground, which, in this case, would be the gardaí themselves, they are the ones who would have to be consulted. I know there is an opportunity whereby they might be considered appropriate. They are possibly the most appropriate people in terms of setting priorities for the authorities of the policing services. They have literally said that they are not being listened to. If we do not include them in this Bill, as legislators we are overlooking them again. I ask that notwithstanding the Senator's proposal regarding the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the rank and file members of An Garda Síochána would appreciate our support, and that they and other ranks be included as one of those groups that would have to be consulted in putting this together.

On the "Morning Ireland" report this morning, the shop owner was asked why he did not have his own security. He was told the Garda was under-resourced and to take it up with his legislators. This, again, is from "Morning Ireland".