Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the comments of Senator Gallagher and pay tribute to Senator McGreehan on her work. I met with the IFA sheep committee in Longford approximately 12 months ago about this. We need to strengthen the fines. Each local authority needs to step up to the mark, particularly with dog wardens. I saw a survey recently where a significant number of local authorities issue no fines at all. They do not seem to be too active on the ground in implementing what is already there, so I urge that would happen.

I wish to speak on the news today that a garda based in the midlands was cleared of a wrongdoing following an internal disciplinary procedure within An Garda Síochána for borrowing a bike out of a storeroom to get home. It is unacceptable. Garda headquarters needs to review the disciplinary procedures in An Garda Síochána. The gardaí need to be able to go out and do their job, which is to protect and serve all the citizens of the country, without fear. Unfortunately, that is not the case with a significant number of cases that have been taken both in internal investigations and with GSOC. Senator Tim Lombard, through the petitions committee, will have GSOC in. GSOC officials will come into an Oireachtas committee to address and speak about this issue. There is a fear among rank-and-file gardaí out doing their job of what disciplinary procedures will be thrown at them. In this case, the garda was suspended for three years and not able to do the job he entered the force to do more than, I think, 30 years ago.

I ask that we send correspondence to the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner to highlight the concerns we have and review its disciplinary procedures to bring them in line to allow gardaí to do the job they do well up and down the country, protecting and serving every citizen of this country without fear.