Garda and Eircode regulation
Senator Feighan praises Mary Robinson, then the discussion shifts to civilian Garda members and Senator Davitt raises the lack of regulation requiring alarm companies to use Eircodes.
It is welcome that it is International Women's Day. I was asked what woman I had found inspirational during the years. It has to be Mrs. Mary Robinson who was elected as the seventh President of Ireland. It was a great day for women. She was inspirational. As she said, she had been elected by the women of Ireland, that instead of rocking the cradle, they had rocked the system. It was an iconic moment which opened up a very liberal Ireland. She is one of many women who have been inspirational and came from Crossmolina.
I heard with interest what the two civilian members of An Garda Síochána had to say. It pains me sometimes to see what is happening in An Garda Síochána. My grandfather who fought for the freedom of this country was the first member of An Garda Síochána. It is an occupation that escaped me because I do not have the skills or discipline to be a garda. However, I will not join in the chorus of those who are undermining the integrity of An Garda Síochána which has defended the institutions of the State since its foundation. It defended the State when there were actually people and parties that were trying to undermine it. Therefore, I will not join anybody who is undermining the integrity of An Garda Síochána.
I have seen what happens. They undermine their respect and integrity and take away all of the good they have done. We saw during protests about water people who were not fit to lace their shoes shouting, "Shame, shame on you". Sometimes we have to stand firm and say what has to happen within the structures and frameworks which exist. If gardaí are seen to misbehave, they should deal with the rigours of the law. I will not join a weak political movement which blames gardaí. The Garda is doing a difficult job and protects us and our State. As a politician and somebody who has always had huge respect for the Garda, I will not join that chorus. It is simple and cheap, and it has a very short future.
We saw what happened in Tallaght last week. Thankfully, the Garda had a contingency plan, a plan of which I was not aware. I am proud of An Garda Síochána and the work it does. It makes mistakes, but I will not undermine it.
Comment on this
I would like to agree with Senator Feighan. As the House is aware, Fianna Fáil is a heavy supporter of the Garda and institutions of the State. I am sure there was no slight meant on us.
A senior serving fire officer in Mullingar brought to my attention the fact that while alarm companies are able to sell their wares and provide security for burglaries and fires, there is no regulation requiring those companies to provide Eircode postcodes for the properties they are protecting. In recent times, the link between Google maps and the Eircode system has meant Eircode has taken off. If alarm companies are required to provide Eircode postcodes for the properties they are minding, it would help essential services to get to people's homes, buildings and businesses within the quickest time possible. I have no doubt it will save lives and some properties. I call on the Minister to make it compulsory for any alarm company which has a contract to protect a home, building or business to provide the Eircode postcode for that property. When emergency services are contacted by the company, they should, therefore, have the precise location of the property.