Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That matter was discussed an hour ago. I will conclude this section. When we get to deal with our normal work programme this afternoon, we can discuss these issues.

I have listened to today's debate as Chairman. In the acting Commissioner's opening statement, he has hinged everything on the phrase "based on the criteria provided". He also spoke about a report and recommendations, saying he recommended the reopening of six stations. In alphabetical order, they are Ballinspittle, Bawnboy, Donard, Leighlinbridge, Rush and Stepaside. The members of the Committee of Public Accounts may wish to consider what I have to say as Chairman. Our function as a committee is to ensure good value for money for the Department of Justice and Equality and the Garda Vote. Our priority should be the same as that in the Garda Síochána in ensuring the force has the resources it requires, gets the best value for money and can deal with crime in urban and rural areas. Crime rates may increase or decrease along with populations. As far as the Committee of Public Accounts is concerned, policing priorities should take precedence in the achievement of those results. The allocation of resources should be based on policing priorities.

It is the job of the Committee of Public Accounts to call out where we think political promises or commitments may not gel with what we would consider the best use of taxpayer resources in the management and operation of the Garda Síochána. I want to get agreement from the committee today. The Secretary General has stated this matter is for 2018 and the stations will not open before Christmas. There will be a debate on the Estimate for the Garda Síochána Vote, and we are informed that will happen next Wednesday, 29 November. I would like this committee to agree to write to the justice committee in the morning, highlighting that it is the view of the Committee of Public Accounts that when it discusses the Estimate, it should deal with policing priorities and best value for money. That should be its role. It will be our role to examine the spending afterwards. Our view will be that policing priorities should take precedence over any political promise when it comes to dealing with crime in Ireland.

Our committee will be drafting a report on this matter and we will discuss it in due course. Our role is to ensure best value for money for resources and this should be based on policing priorities. We can come back to it. Is it agreed that such a letter should go to the justice committee before its Estimates meeting next week?