Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Redmond. I do not know if you will allow the question, Chairman, but I will chance it. In the discussion around the rationalisation of Garda stations, the Commissioner made the point forcefully that it is not a cost-cutting initiative and that it is about reconfiguring the policing footprint, or words to that effect. From the point of view of the public it is and will be commonly understood as a fairly crude cost-cutting measure. It will affect the confidence of communities who take heart from the fact that not only does the Garda Síochána exist but that it is close at hand in an identifiable location. The Commissioner has set out his position. I would like to hear what Mr. Stone and Mr. Redmond make of the initiative to rationalise and close Garda stations.