An Garda Síochána: Motion
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-13
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Mark Duffy (FG), Labour Panel

I thank the Minister of State for being here and I thank my colleagues for putting forward such an important Private Members' motion. Like Senator Cathal Byrne, I wish to first acknowledge the fallen heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty in service to the State. The gardaí from my home county of Mayo are Garda Brian MacNeill, Garda Henry Gerard Byrne, Detective John Morley, Garda Robert McCallion, Detective Garda Colm Horkan, and fellow Ballina man, Garda Anthony Golden. Some of these gave the ultimate sacrifice against dissident republicanism and domestic terrorism. Murders and terrorism have been mentioned, as have potential supporters coming to Dublin, but we must also be mindful that we have a duty to protect our own gardaí across the country. However, I have long been an advocate, through joint policing committees, which are now known as local community safety partnerships, of supporting An Garda Síochána, and particularly the community policing model, which is an excellent model. An Garda Síochána are the guardians of the peace, are touchpoints in rural isolated areas and are a presence and a security for people who are vulnerable and feel unsafe.
My sister is a long-serving member of An Garda Síochána and we are proud of the contribution she has made in our family. The community policing model is something we need to have rolled out to every corner of the country in rural and urban areas. As has been mentioned, there was the good suggestion of the administrative burden being taken away from those who can be out and about and on the beat as a presence on streets and in communities. They provide great dignity, even at times of funerals. I have seen recently in my home town the presence gardaí provide. Whether it is a festival, a happy occasion or a sad occasion, they are there and they make our communities safe and vibrant. It is important to ensure it is an attractive job. It has become less attractive to become a member of the force especially in recent years. We see that with the agitation online, the doxing of gardaí and the intimidation that is being caused. We need to be very strong to support and defend their integrity, identity and privacy. It is important they have support such as expenses they may receive to be in line with inflation. That is something that has been raised by the Garda Representative Association.
Finally, the importance of the accountability within the force itself is an issue that has been raised recently. Gardaí are not above the law and it is important that when instances arise of internal matters, they are supported and are dealt with, in particular that women gardaí are protected and supported in cases that may arise where their safety is threatened internally as well.

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Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:56+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-13