Mr. Drew Harris:

If I may, I will respond in writing to the point regarding the strength of the Cork division because it is one of the pilot divisions. I want to answer the Deputy in the context of the new divisional model being rolled out in the division. We have specifically attempted to free up Garda resources there. Regarding the code of ethics, we have undertaken to supply to the Policing Authority, by 17 July, validated figures of where we are with the code of ethics signatures. Signatures are in the order of about 80% but we want to get to a more precise figure and then to the action plan for increasing that further.

Turning to the issue of where people are assigned after they finish training in Templemore, there is also the matter of the organisation and its operational needs. One of the realities for anyone who joins An Garda Síochána is that we are a national service. One is throwing one's hat in the ring and there is a chance that one may be required to serve somewhere which is not within travelling distance of one's current residence. I did hear the radio interview to which reference was made. When I was down at that particular passing-out parade, however, that issue seemed to have dissipated within that particular class. There was no one who had reportedly left the training because of where the station was to which they had been subsequently assigned.