Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Commissioner O'Sullivan's response. Some members of the Garda Síochána have remarked on vehicles that go out of commission for a variety of reasons, for example soiling of the back seats. I tabled a parliamentary question recently on whether the use of leather or leatherette seating is more appropriate in 2015 in place of the current fabric covered seating, so that vehicles do not have to be taken out of service for a couple of days when cleaning of soiled back seats has to take place.

My third question relates to civilisation and the redeployment of Garda. The Commissioner mentioned the need to have the right people in the right place. I am very aware since I joined this committee in 2012 that prior to the recruitment of the additional trainees who are currently in Templemore, a number of administrative positions were filled by members of the force, which could be delegated to civilians. I appreciate the constraints that applied to the public service and the limited scope for the recruitment of additional personnel. As a discussion point, could the Commissioner outline the number of gardaí who are engaged in administrative or non front-line roles that could serve on the front line? From a policing perspective what is the optimum number of Garda required to police the State?