The Garda Síochána compensation Bill has been promised legislation for some considerable time, an issue that has been brought into sharp focus by the recent tragic killing of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. In the current circumstances, and given that during the Covid-19 crisis gardaí were the subject of a certain number of attacks and threats in the course of their work, and that almost 5,000 gardaí have been laid off duty as a result of injuries incurred during the course of their duty, I ask the Taoiseach if that compensation Bill is likely to be brought before the House at the earliest possible date.

I thank the Deputy for the points he has raised. That legislation will not be brought forward in this session, but we will see how soon we can bring it in. I will check that with the Minister for Justice and Equality. The more general point the Deputy has made is apt given the role gardaí played in the implementation of the various legislative measures around Covid-19. It has to be said that the number of attacks on gardaí was very low in comparison with the volume of engagement and work done by them. Nonetheless, some gardaí were subject to disgusting and very nasty attacks such as people spitting at them, and that called for proper protocols to be in place in terms of testing and supporting gardaí in such situations. I came across a case in that regard and I would be fully aware of the anxiety it causes a Garda family. We have to be clear and unequivocal not just in our condemnation of those attacks but also in supporting the gardaí who are carrying out their duty on behalf of all of us.