Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Commissioner for coming before the committee. At the first meeting he attended, which I also attended, one of the issues I raised was the quality of notifications after the use of Tasers and related incidents. I understand from reports today that it is going to be an automatic process, or something like that. I acknowledge this is positive. I do not really need a response on this but I just ask Mr. Harris to keep an eye on it. He might respond to my next question, if he wishes.

At various committee meetings with Garda Commissioners, a variety of issues have arisen, including Garda reform and penalty points. Quite clearly, the biggest issue facing the Garda, and one of the biggest facing our society today, is that of serious and organised crime. I acknowledge that much of what the Garda has achieved in recent times has been very commendable. It has exhibited great courage and has evolved great resourcefulness but organised crime is still a major issue. There is considerable concern, not just in Drogheda, where issues arose in the past few days. There have been six gangland murders since the start of the year. Significant issues arose in Longford. I recognise that the Garda is doing all it can but it seems it is still very much stretched. There has been a response regarding Coolock and Drogheda but in both cases, and in most stations, the station numbers were down by comparison with a few years previously. From 2014, Coolock station has had 14 fewer full-time gardaí since 2011. It is not just my assessment. The GRA and AGSI have stated the Garda is behind other police forces in terms of numbers, equipment and resources. Ireland's ratio of police to civilians is well below the European average. Is the Commissioner confident he will reach the target of 15,000 sworn members? Does he not believe the organisation should aim a bit higher, taking into account the significant shortfall in community policing? Could it aim for 16,000, or more? If not, what resources are required? I understand it is difficult for a Commissioner always to state publicly what is needed from the Minister or Oireachtas. What does An Garda Síochána need to tackle this scourge?