Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Given the status of the staff, there are clear processes that can take place. I made it clear during the meeting that I want us to be able to engage and to reach a conclusion without having to look any further. There are clear steps that can be taken. I am open to that but I believe this should and can be resolved by all parties sitting around the table. That is exactly how I hope and intend it will be resolved.

The community safety offices, which Senator Gavan raised, will have responsibility for the roll-out of the community safety partnerships, separate from the authority, which is an oversight mechanism. These offices will manage the individual community safety partnerships throughout the country. They will work with the co-ordinators who will be officially hired and will co-ordinate the roll-out of the partnerships. It is a distinct, separate office as opposed to the agency itself.

Senator O’Reilly asked whether there will be any diminution of community gardaí. This legislation clearly sets community gardaí at the front and centre in terms of work on the ground. Each community area will have its individual community garda.