Mr. John Twomey:

As part of the divisional policing model that has been rolled out we have examined community policing, its role and function and how it has performed. We have provided increased resources in those specific areas. As the organisation is growing, a core principle is that we have a community policing ethos. In certain cases where the demand is such that we need people in that role specifically and full time, then that is provided. However, in other areas where it is possible to provide a full range of services that An Garda Síochána provide, that is done in a slightly different way. Where people are deployed depends on the environment but the intention is that there will be community gardaí throughout the entire country. Community policing is a core ethos of the organisation. The Deputy referred to working in partnership with people and having developed and built that relationship to provide the opportunity for our people to engage with local communities in a problem-solving type approach. It is not just about An Garda Síochána, it is about a partnership with other agencies and people.