The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr McDowell, praised the contribution made by members of the Garda Síochána to the evolution of Irish society at a recent passing out parade for new recruits at Templemore.
The minister spoke of a legacy of service to the people and to the State which was based on honour, decency, courage and respect for the law. Those values had been upheld with honour and distinction and, on occasion, members of the Force had even given their lives.
There was also, however, a more shadowy aspect to the occasion which arose from public controversies surrounding the McBrearty affair in Co Donegal and the shooting dead of John Carthy at Abbeylara two years ago. Mr McDowell did not refer directly to those matters, but he emphasised the need for reform so that public trust in the Garda would not be broken. In that regard, he confirmed the Coalition Government's determination to establish a Garda Inspectorate which would independently investigate complaints against members of the Force.
A substantial programme of change and reform within the Garda would also be undertaken by way of the Strategic Management Initiative; and the size of the Force would be increased by 2,000 over five years.
Mr McDowell identified the major challenge facing the Garda and society as a whole, at this time, as substance misuse, be it through illegal drugs or legalised alcohol. The street value of drugs seized last year amounted to €50 million and the minister said more resources would be given to local drugs task force areas. The eventual passage of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill, 2002, will help to reverse the trend towards increasing street violence at night by young men and the high level of motoring accidents caused by alcohol abuse. There is nothing very new in any of this.
The last government recognised the need for a comprehensive reform of the relationship between the Garda Síochána, the political system and the public they serve, but failed to introduce a system of accountability and transparency. That is the difficult task Mr McDowell has been given.