DAIL REPORT: The Taoiseach said he accepted there was public concern about the Garda, and the concern existed on a number of fronts, particularly relating to allegations made at the Morris tribunal.
"The ultimate report is a matter for another day, but even the fact the allegations have been made creates concern." He said the quality of the men and women who made up the Garda was second to none, at home and abroad, and they would be the first to denounce activities which were not in full compliance with the law.
The Taoiseach was replying to the Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, who said confidence in the Garda, and the way it did its duty, was a bedrock of democratic society. "Allegations, as yet unproved, from a number of sources, are causing public concern about the work of the Garda." He asked if the Government had any plans to reform the force.
Mr Ahern said a Bill to be introduced before next Easter would provide reform in many areas.
"Training has been enhanced in recent years and the operational units have been restructured. Many divisions have been arranged to include specialist units to deal with issues such as white- collar crime, drugs and other criminal activities, and they have been remarkably successful.
"We must, however, keep a careful watch on issues that discredit the Garda and see how we can manage them. A small minority is involved, but, unfortunately, they take up a lot of time."
When Mr Kenny said allocation for Garda training had been cut by €11 million this year, the Taoiseach said capital investment in the Templemore training college, and its output in the past five years, was at the highest level ever.
"This has helped morale and changed the age structure of the Garda, something that was an issue seven years ago. The issues raised by the deputy and others will be dealt with in the debate on the reform of the Garda."
Mr Ahern said the Garda Commissioner had almost another year on his contract and he had not made a formal application for an extension, although that was not unusual at this early stage.
