Mr. John Redmond:

There is a challenge in continuing to provide a professional service if the decision is arrived at to close more Garda stations. People expect a police service to be provided and are entitled to one. It is important they are consulted.

Their views and questions on how their neighbourhoods and communities will be policed ought to be taken on board following any proposed closures of stations. As was pointed out, rightly, by the Commissioner, the savings are not excessive so there will not be a bag of money at the end of this process for anyone. This is especially the case when, instead of maintaining a Garda station somewhere, another arrangement will be put in place whereby a community hall or other venue will be used to provide the service that would otherwise have been provided through the Garda station. I have yet to be convinced that the aspects of the plan will work such that the community will be policed in the manner it deserves. As representatives of first-line supervisors and first-line managers, we look forward to being informed and asked our opinion on the likely impact on our members. I look forward to having those discussions in due course.