The Garda Commissioner has said she is fully committed to an open culture in the force in which people can fully air their grievances.
Speaking at the Kennedy Summer School in New Ross, Nóirín O'Sullivan said times have changed in the gardaí and she is fully supportive of a culture in which members can air any problems or issues they have without fear of reproach.
Ms O'Sullivan said she is fully supportive of openness and has written to each member of the force reaffirming this.
In response to a question raised by Independent Senator Lynn Ruane, Ms O'Sullivan also encouraged families experiencing intimidation, either from criminal gangs or otherwise, to come forward to gardaí.
Ms O'Sullivan also claimed that gardaí were reducing crime in rural areas.
Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald also defended the reforms to the force instigated by Ms O'Sullivan, saying the process must continue.
Ms Fitzgerald said some organisations take time to change, but reforms must continue.
