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

I raised this matter with the then assistant commissioner now acting Commissioner in July. On that occasion, we were informed there would be no problem providing the committee with the report. To be clear, we are seeking the data, facts, figures and rationale used when making a decision as to which Garda stations should be reopened. We are entitled to that information and there is no reason for the Garda to fudge or delay on the matter. What criteria were applied and how was the decision arrived at to recommend the reopening of Stepaside Garda station as against other Garda stations? I do not understand the reason the Garda could indicate there would be no problem with the committee having that information, yet we received correspondence in August indicating we could not have it. Given the committee's experience of dealing with the Accounting Officer of An Garda Síochána, it would not be good if the Garda were to continue with the policy of evasion or ducking and diving as regards its interactions with the committee. Clearly, some criteria were applied to arrive at these decisions and we want to see what they were. I do not accept the Garda fobbing the committee off to the Department of Justice and Equality. Mr. Ó Cualáin is now the acting Accounting Officer and he is accountable to the committee. We must write to him reminding him of the commitment he gave the committee in July. We should state clearly that we want to know what criteria were applied, how they were applied and what methodology was used in making the decision to reopen certain Garda stations, including Stepaside Garda station.