David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is to have discussions with the Garda Commissioner on two main topics - first, recent gangland-related crimes and, second, community policing and the closure of Garda barracks.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Garda Commissioner, Mr. Martin Callinan, the Deputy Garda Commissioner for operations, Ms Noirín O'Sullivan, the Deputy Garda Commissioner for strategy and change management, Mr. Nacie Rice, the Assistant Garda Commissioner for national support services, Mr. Derek Byrne, and the Assistant Garda Commissioner for crime and security, Mr. John O'Mahoney. Superintendent David Taylor, Garda public relations officer, is also present.

The format of today's meeting is that the Commissioner will make opening remarks, which will be followed by a questions and answers session. With the Commissioner's agreement, I propose that we divide the session in two and deal with gangland crime first. After members have engaged on that subject, the Commissioner can make a presentation on the second topic, namely, community policing and the closure of Garda barracks, and members will engage on it. They are distinct areas.