On forthcoming legislation, I have never seen such a crisis in morale among An Garda Síochána in my political life as I see now. This is very serious, and we are at a tipping point. It is not all down to Croke Park II, although that has been a contributing and exacerbating factor. Gardaí feel bad about that agreement and feel it does not respect the role they play on a 24-7 basis in protecting citizens. They feel they are under-resourced and under-equipped. They only held observer status with regard to the agreement anyway. This is a serious issue that the Government needs to examine. The relationship between the Minister and the Garda is in an unhealthy state. An unhealthy tension exists and gardaí feel a lack of respect.

The legislation I want to ask about is the Garda Síochána (compensation for malicious injuries) Bill. When can we expect that legislation? I would like another opportunity to raise this issue, because it is central to democracy and to how society is organised.

The heads of the Bill were cleared last July and the Bill will come before the House later this year.