Policing and Garda reform
Senator Sean D. Barrett seeks a debate on policing, Garda reform, the Morris and Smithwick reports, recruitment and whether a Patten-style commission is needed.
I apologise.
I refer to the need for a debate on policing and An Garda Síochána in the light of events including the Morris report, the Smithwick report which we did not have a chance to debate, the success of the new arrangements in Northern Ireland, the resignation of the Garda Commissioner and the welcome resumption of recruitment at the Garda College in Templemore. I ask whether we need a debate on establishing something along the lines of the Patten commission. In view of the proud record of service to the country of An Garda Síochána, we want to make sure that, on the resumption of recruitment, we are moving in the right direction. After today, the Minister for Justice and Equality might be willing to debate the future of policing.