An Garda Síochána: Motion [Private Members]
Dail Éireann — 2026-03-25
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George Lawlor (LAB), Wexford

This motion addresses a crisis that has been allowed to deepen within An Garda Síochána, an institution that is fundamental to the safety and well-being of communities across this country. The facts outlined in this motion are stark. Garda numbers have fallen, morale has deteriorated, and confidence, both within the organisation and among the public, has been eroded. This motion seeks not only to diagnose the problem but to set out a credible path towards rebuilding a modern, community-centred police service worthy of the trust placed in it. There is no doubt that the tenure of former Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, left deep scars across An Garda Síochána. Many gardaí will tell you quietly and privately that they felt targeted, undermined and treated with suspicion rather than respect. This week, Wexford-based retired superintendent Denis Whelan, one of the best, most effective and diligent gardaí I have ever encountered-----

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-03-25/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:47+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-25