Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It speaks for itself, but I will refine it if possible. It is not our practice to have the Minister attend, but it should be considered in light of the level of importance attaching. There is an omission. On further consideration, the assistant commissioner for Dublin, Mr. Pat Leahy, could usefully contribute to this discussion. One meeting would do it, but, if possible, we will need the Minister as well. That would be my preference. One meeting with Mr. Noel Waters, Mr. John Barrett and Mr. Pat Leahy would do it. Perhaps it could be a morning session. We would get the opportunity to put these issues on record.

I am conscious that some of our colleagues are not present and that people might view pursuing this as being political. However, there are tangible reasons for this to be of concern - value for money in the first instance. Political considerations come second. Previously, Deputy Cassells gave clear examples in the context of Meath. I cited an example relating to Sligo whereby a Garda station that had been condemned was awaiting this process. We received the interim report and there were media leaks over the weekend. The committee was told approximately five times in a row that the criteria for opening and closing were exactly the same, but we have reason to believe that is not the case and there is a suggestion that the decision was based on population increases. To follow on from Deputy Cassells's contribution at our previous meeting, County Meath has had precisely the same percentage increase that Dublin has had, namely, 5.9%. It has suffered closures and downgrades to brass buttons and the Deputy cited an increase in crime levels there, yet these other Garda stations were opened.

A decent morning session of three hours - with the Minister present if possible, but certainly Mr. Waters, Mr. Barrett and Mr. Leahy - would be useful.