Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the decision by an investigation group in An Garda Síochána to clear a garda member in the midlands who, during the Covid-19 pandemic, gave an unclaimed bicycle to a poor, unfortunate person living in a rural area. The garda was suspended for three years, his family went through hell and I do not know what his neighbours thought. This type of carry-on is not acceptable. I understand that he gave out the bicycle without filing the proper paperwork but so be it. That should have been dealt with straightaway. Remember we were in the middle of an epidemic at the time.

This is a very serious issue. We have to think about other human beings and how they were treated. The matter is now in the hands of the Garda Commissioner who will make the final decision. The disciplinary group has cleared the garda, who faced five charges for five alleged misdemeanours for giving an unclaimed bicycle to a man whose bicycle had broken down and wanted to go to a shop, or whatever, to get a few messages. For minor issues, there should be a slap on the wrist. For major issues, I understand they should be dealt with as major matters. It is good to see the investigation cleared the garda in question.