Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Minister is open to some constructive criticism.

Is it possible that not enough gardaí give enough notice when they decide to retire which is leading to confusion for the Commissioner and the Department of Justice and Equality?

I welcome the announcement of 212 new Garda vehicles as there is a public perception that gardaí are driving around in bangers and cars not up to scratch while the criminals are ahead of them with more powerful cars. There is much public annoyance about the Go-Safe road camera contract because it is seen as a money game and numbers racket. The Minister, however, stated the number of speeding drivers detected by the service provider has no effect on the level of the payment, a point the public do not know about.

Regarding politicians looking back nostalgically on old-fashioned policing, we all know we live in the modern age and we have the "Love/Hate" scenarios in real life and very violent criminals. There is nothing wrong with good community policing in any community, however. I know from my constituency that there are more gardaí on the beat regularly which is old-fashioned policing. Any senior or retired garda will tell one that the garda on the beat is involved in the prevention of the crime. I know they cannot deal with the heavies and the "Love/Hate" brigade on their own. However, communities love the idea of gardaí walking the streets, be it 3 p.m. or 10 p.m. There is nothing wrong with good old-fashioned policing.