Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2026: Committee Stage (Resumed)
Seanad Éireann — 2026-06-10
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Catherine Ardagh (FF), Dublin South-Central

The threat of a cavity search should never be used to intimidate or cause psychological harm. An Garda Síochána has strict guidelines and rules on how intimate searches are to be conducted. They can never be conducted in a public space; it always has to be done in a private setting. Depending on the particular power the Garda is using, searches should only be carried out where necessary and cannot be used for harassment. It they are ever used for harassment, that should be reported to the ombudsman.
On the figures for strip-searches where a doctor is not present, we will have to investigate that further. The Senator asked for mapping information. We do not have that available today but we will investigate further. We will also follow up on the facts in relation to Mothers Against Genocide in terms of what exactly was the outcome there in relation to that lady.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-06-10/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:02+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-10