Mr. Michael Finn:

As a result of the deficit in personnel, there has been a push to get gardaí through Templemore. The Garda College is full right now. There are 800 gardaí coming out of it every year. I suppose that is putting pressure on the other side of Templemore, which needs to be able to deliver all the courses. We are working to try to outsource certain matters to see if we can strike a balance while providing the type of training that is needed.

The Deputy also asked about cross-Border issues. During my time in the northern region, there was an element of cross-Border co-operation on the ground. Officers were sharing information and intelligence. There was great co-operation. I do not know whether Mr. Todd would like to share the perspective from his side. I would say it was very positive from the Garda side. In two weeks time, we will have our next strategic cross-Border conference, at which officers from the PSNI and the Garda along the Border will meet to discuss the issue.