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

As Deputy Burke established and the Chairman has confirmed, it is a reserved function for the Garda Síochána to make that decision, which brings us back to the point I made earlier that the political system - in this case the Cabinet or members thereof - intruded on a decision that rightfully should have been taken by the Garda. The Garda is the body to set criteria and decide which Garda station should be reopened and on what basis. The Chairman has confirmed that this was a political decision.